Urban Trees' Role in Education: Insights from Chicago's Ash Borer Infestation

Urban trees provide numerous **environmental and psychological benefits**, and their loss can impact educational outcomes, as revealed by new research from the University of Utah. The study focused on the Chicago metropolitan region, which suffered a significant loss of ash trees due to the emerald ash borer infestation. Ash trees once made up 18% of Chicago's street trees, but between 2010 and 2020, half were lost, affecting the environment and local communities. **Professor Alberto Garcia** led the study, which tracked student performance on standardized tests from 2003 to 2012. It highlighted a concerning trend: test scores decreased in areas affected by the beetle compared to unaffected areas. Importantly, the research found that schools with more low-income students, although initially less likely to be affected due to less tree cover, showed a more significant impact on student performance when infestation occurred. This suggests that **loss of environmental quality** exacerbates existing social inequities, affecting vulnerable groups more acutely. The study underscores the complex relationship between urban environments and social outcomes, urging consideration of such dynamics in urban planning and education policies.