If plans for a huge cut in worldwide global CO2 emissions do not materialize in Copenhagen in a months time then it seems very likely our small planet will be heading for temperature rises in excess of 2ºC which will be disastrous in many ways. High energy storms like the tornado which hit Eastleigh last week will threaten the South much more frequently. Long hot dry summers may well bring heat waves worse than the one which killed an estimated 600 Londoners in 2003. Droughts similar to the one which caused water shortages in 2004 and 2005 may also occur.

One of the best ways in which we can counter climate change and improve the green infrastructure that make our towns and cities pleasant and healthy places to live is by taking better care of our trees. Currently in Eastleigh many of the trees planted in the Coronation Walk in Fleming Park to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth are beginning to die and have not been replaced. Likewise half the hawthorns growing alongside Passfield Avenue are already dead. Sadly when trees that have been planted around our town die they tend to be replaced by smaller ornamental trees that give a fraction of the benefits of large forest type trees.

Trees have the ability to soak up carbon dioxide and release oxygen in its place. They can also soak up some of the rainwater from flash floods, so reducing pressure on Eastleigh’s overloaded drainage system and absorb some traffic noise. Tree lined streets have 10-15% of the dust of streets without trees. On a hot summer day they shade and cool the street below by 6-10ºC. A University of Manchester study calculated that a 10% increase in the amount of green space in urban areas would reduce surface temperatures by as much as 4°C during heat waves.

Trees also reduce energy consumption. Less air conditioning is needed in summer and the presence of trees in urban areas slows down strong winds that create draughts and cool buildings. A recent study in New York found that for every $1 spent on street trees the residents got back $5 in a variety of benefits, and that study did not even include all the social and psychological benefits of living in a green urban environment.

At a time when people are becoming keener to eat food produced locally and so cut down on air miles and fuel consumption the presence in our gardens, streets on our green spaces of fruit trees such as apple, cherries and plums and nut trees like walnuts and hazels can provide a really local sources of food. I know of about 20 apple trees in accessible public places in Eastleigh at present – what a benefit to the local people scores more apple trees would be! So the benefits of trees to towns and cities seem almost limitless. Currently tree officers appear to lack the resources and public backing to undertake an extensive greening of urban areas. Please can we plant and care for many more trees in our town as it would make an immense contribution to the health and welfare of so many.

Dr Andrew Ross, Southampton