Fort Lauderdale Net Zero Plan 2025

ROADMAP TO NET ZERO  83

Strategy: Tree Canopy Enhancement Expanding and maintaining the urban tree canopy is a key strategy for mitigating climate change and enhancing urban resilience. Trees provide numerous benefits, including carbon sequestration, temperature regulation, and improved air quality. Increasing tree canopy coverage can create cooler, healthier, and more attractive neighborhoods while contributing to the City’s net zero emissions goal. Additionally, trees save energy by providing shade and reducing the need for air conditioning. Specific actions for enhancing tree canopy cover in parks and urban areas are described below. ACTION 30 Implement tree planting and preservation initiatives from the Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP) that will advance the Comprehensive Plan goal of 33% tree canopy coverage by 2040. Priority Level: 1 Timeframe: Long term GHG Impact: High Funding: Urban and Community Forestry grants, DEP grants, Sustainability Fund City Partners: City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Initial Cost: Medium Life-Cycle Cost: Medium Additional Community Cost: Low ROI: Low LOE: Medium Social Impact: High Strategic Priority Alignment: Public places Co-Benefits: Improved public health and safety, improved climate resilience Performance Metrics: Tree canopy percent, caliper inches of trees planted Implementation:  Address tree planting initiatives via the UFMP in areas with low canopy, optimizing tree species for the changing Fort Lauderdale environment.  Develop tree preservation incentives to encourage retention of existing old-growth trees during development projects.

FORT LAUDERDALE NET ZERO PLAN