Citizens Map Urban Tree Failures to Drive Climate Adaptation

• 148,162 urban tree "black spots" were identified across 315 municipalities in Spain during a recent citizen-led initiative.
• The mapping project, "Ecomapeo Estatal," involved 2,145 participants verifying the status of urban trees.
• Data is available to the public at ecomapa.org.

Findings

• 44,882 empty or paved-over tree pits (alcorques).
• 27,116 pits containing only stumps or dead trees.
• 76,164 "asphyxiated" trees, where the roots are sealed under concrete or lack sufficient growing space.

Implications

• The initiative aims to push local governments to resolve these deficiencies to create shade, combat the urban heat island effect, and improve air quality.
• Participating organizations include Greenpeace, Ecologistas en Acción, and various climate-focused activist groups.
• Local coordinators will present the findings to municipal authorities and conduct follow-up monitoring of any resulting improvements.