- Author: Jill Santos
Future Design Gives New Graduates Hope
Spring usually brings an abundance of colorful blossoms and excitement for high school and college graduates everywhere. In the past, graduates celebrated their hard-earned achievements, ready to carve their own paths in the world, while parents reluctantly released them into an uncertain future. A study released by The Annie E. Casey Foundation in 2023 reported that Gen Z'ers (ages ranging from 12 to 27) have the highest self-reported mental health concerns compared to previous generations[i]. The source of this distress? Future anxiety.
Today, many people worldwide grapple with daily struggles, feeling left behind in a rapidly changing world. To address this in his home country of Japan, Dr. Tatsuyoshi Saijo, a professor of economics at the Research Institute for Future Design at Kochi University of Technology, aims to inspire the present generation to care more about the future[ii]. This passion ignited after meeting indigenous communities in America, who have long embraced the principle of “seven generations.” Tatsuyoshi published a study in 2015 showing that when considering only present needs, people favored policies that lean toward instant gratification. However, when focusing on the future, study participants put more emphasis on progressive policies, such as advancing healthcare investments or raising utility rates to accommodate for an aging infrastructure. This approach is now being replicated worldwide.
In 2015, then President Barack Obama, speaking at the Conference of the Parties (COP21), said, “we (referring to Millennial and Gen Z) are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and are the last generation to do something about it.”[iii]
A Green Career Revolution
From private corporations to community-based organizations, leaders are fundamentally reassessing and redesigning the way we live, work, consume, and interact with the environment. What is different now is that more people are acknowledging the realities of climate change and its impacts on ecosystems, societies, and economies. This gives the next generation an advantage to envision and implement alternative pathways that prioritize sustainability, resilience, and equity. Innovative adaptations to traditional technologies are advancing faster than ever and many of them offer
- Heat Pumps – Around 20% of total US energy emissions comes from the residential sector*. Ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) are gaining traction as a viable means to reduce energy use. UCANR (UC Agriculture and Natural Resources) researchers from as early as 1985 have examined better systems to heat or cool buildings by exchanging the air though underground pumps filled with a water-based solution though devices called Heat-Pumps[iv]. While there are some environmental drawbacks, as there are with many of the human-centric energy solutions, they are more efficient than traditional heating and cooling methods, they do not rely on fossil fuels, they can reduce utility bills, and save space. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry could be a great career opportunity for some. The industry currently employs about 1.5 million people in the U.S. and is expected to grow 6 percent by 2026. The 2023 median starting pay, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is about $57,000 per year[v]. If you like working with your hands and want to spend more time outdoors, the HVAC industry is a solid green career.
- Recent reports have raised many risks associated with gas stoves used for cooking indoors. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that one hour of cooking on a gas stove results in up to 3,000 parts per billion (ppb) of carbon monoxide[vi]. Another study from Stanford University found that methane leaks from gas stoves, (on or off) can emit the equivalent of half a million commuting cars [vii]. As technology improves and costs stabilize, more households will see the value in switching to heat induction stoves. Rebates available through the Federal Inflation Reduction Act (link to more information) can make the price tag more palatable. California offers residential energy rebates in addition to subsidized training for contractors. Some handy individuals may be able to install an induction stove, but many people will prefer to use a qualified company to install it. Licensed electricians can start out early around $60,000 a year and this sector also expects to grow 6 percent by 2032[viii].
- The American Climate Corps (in California, Climate Action Corps) is a great place to start if someone wants to work in a green career but is uncertain which path to take. Corps, like the California Conservation Corps, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and VISTA, etc. give young adults real-world experience who want to make a positive difference in the world and at the end of the service period are eligible to receive a stipend that can help them pay for college. This program helps fight the impacts of climate change at a community level while giving young adults the skills to gain leverage in the clean energy and climate resilience workforce. Sustainable UC (University of California) Davis hosts a Green Workplace Program, assisting UC employees to lower their operational environmental footprints, further indicating that our workplaces are transforming.
Opportunities abound to safeguard public lands and waterways, environmental monitoring, address urban heat and housing concerns, improve forest management practices, expand the adoption of solar energy systems, and contribute to the restoration of coastal and watershed resources. For instance, the demand for environmental engineers is on the rise, with salaries reaching up to $100,000 annually[x]. Solar jobs grew 3.5% in the last few years as installation has nearly doubled. A skilled solar installer can earn as much as $54,000 annually[xi].
As careers and economies undergo significant transformation, it is essential to recognize this evolution as both necessary and inevitable, driven by the pressing urgency of the present moment. Viewing this shift as an opportunity rather than a limitation is the crucial first step forward. Reinventing a future that includes all voices reassures young adults that they will not be left behind.
[i] https://www.aecf.org/blog/generation-z-and-mental-health
[ii]https://www.pbs.org/video/beyond-the-now-ft4j2u/ and https://www.vox.com/23870374/tatsuyoshi-saijo-economist-research-institute-for-future-design-future-perfect-50-2023
[iii] https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/11/30/remarks-president-obama-first-session-cop21#:~:text=But%20only%20if%20we%20rise,can%20do%20something%20about%20it.%E2%80%9D
[iv] chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://calag.ucanr.edu/download_pdf.cfm?article=ca.v039n05p5 and https://energy.ucdavis.edu/fighting-climate-change-with-heat-pumps/
[v] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm
[vi] https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2013/07/23/kitchens-can-produce-hazardous-levels-of-indoor-pollutants/
[vii] https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/05/people-with-gas-and-propane-stoves-breathe-more-unhealthy-nitrogen-dioxide#:~:text=Stanford%20researchers%20estimate%20that%20methane,to%20respiratory%20disease%2Dtriggering%20pollutants.
[viii] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#:~:text=3%25-,Employment%20of%20electricians%20is%20projected%20to%20grow%206%20percent%20from,on%20average%2C%20over%20the%20decade.
[ix] https://www.aging.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/senate_aging_farmers_report.pdf
[x] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/environmental-engineers.htm
[xi] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/solar-photovoltaic-installers.htm
*U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis
- Author: Judy Quan
Editor's Note: This blog post originally appeared on the Master Gardener Program of Alameda County website.
Thinking of planting a street tree?
Do you have space for a tree in the parking strip, that no man's land between the sidewalk and the street? If you do, there are many advantages to having trees grow in that space.
Why plant a tree?
- Trees are beautiful and welcoming. Trees have a calming and healing effect on people and community. They add value to the neighborhood.
- Trees help us to live with warming temperatures. Street trees, part of the landscape, help to reduce the effect of urban heat islands by providing cooling shade to sidewalks, buildings and other structures that capture heat.
- Trees fight climate change. Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide, also reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere.
- Trees add to the natural habitat. They can provide habitat for birds, pollinators and other wildlife.
- Trees improve the local environment. They provide windbreaks, capture storm water runoff and muffle urban noise, among many other things.
“Unfortunately, their [street trees'] average lifespan in our cities is less than 1/4 of their potential due to poor selection and care.“ Janet Hartin, Environmental Horticulturist, UC Cooperative Extension, Trees for Tomorrow Start Today
Tips on Street Tree Selection
Gather information about the site (your parking strip)
- Check with the city. Find out whether the homeowner is allowed to plant a tree. In some cities, only the city can plant in the parking strips.
- Power lines? You need to determine whether the power lines are on your side of the street or not. If they are, then you are limited to small trees that are "ok" to plant under the high voltage lines.
- Width of parking strip? Then you will need to measure the width in inches of the parking strip where you are planning to plant your tree. Then you can compare your dimensions to those of the suitable tree basin width.
- Other considerations? Think about the type of soil you have, the availability of water, shade, proximity to buildings, and wind conditions.
Look around in your neighborhood to see what you like and don't like in street trees.
- Seeing a mature, full-grown specimen of a particular species of tree in your neighborhood is very different from seeing a photo of the tree on the internet. Often the in-person view will give you a really good feel for a tree's true appearance and it may also show you other aspects such as the amount of litter from flowers, seeds and leaves.
- Talk to your neighbors about the trees in your neighborhood.
- As you drive or walk around the city, look around at the street trees and take note of the ones that you like and where they are located.
- If your city has a public works department, parks department or an urban forester, you may be able to get help with the identification of the trees and may also get recommendations.
What trees are approved for street trees in your area?
- Many cities, but not all, have an approved list of street trees. These are the trees that are officially approved for planting in the parking strip. The list often has additional information as to how to select trees for a particular site.
- Many cities have an urban forester who manages the selection and care of tree populations in the urban setting. Often the forester may be part of public works or parks division of city programs. Sometimes there are programs that promote tree planting and financial incentives might be available.
- Local tree lists and planting information for some of the cities of Alameda County. Please contact your city hall or public works for information in your city.
Unincorporated communities of Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, San Lorenzo, and Sunol
What are the characteristics of the trees on your list?
- Research both the common name and the botanical name, so you will get more information on the tree including information on litter issues, root damage potential and mature size.
- Trees are either deciduous (lose their leaves in the fall) or evergreen (keep leaves/fronds/needles year-round). Just because a tree is evergreen, does not mean that you don't have leaf litter. Evergreen trees may drop some leaves more-or-less year around instead of the once-a-year leaf drop in the fall.
- Once you have narrowed your list down to a few trees, you might give the city a call and find out if there is information on where you can see that type of tree locally.
- Minimize potential damage to the sidewalk. To avoid or minimize sidewalk/curb damage/lifting, choose a smaller tree that fits your parking strip and be sure to water the tree appropriately.
Care of trees … things I wish I had known
Unfortunately street trees are sometimes not planted with the ideal tree selection/planting guidelines. Fortunately, many of these problems can be corrected if noticed early on, soon after the tree has been planted.
Here are some practical tree care tips from Janet Hartin, a UCCE horticulturalist.
Trees for Tomorrow Start Today
How to Avoid Common Ailments of Landscape Plants
You may find that you will use this information on care of trees directly if you end up planting your own tree, or you might find that you will use the information to make sure your tree is planted correctly by the city/contractor hired by the city.
4 Tips on Planting trees
- Plant the tree in native soil, with NO amendments or compost.
- The hole for the tree should be the same depth as its container and at least 2-1/2 times wider. Make sure that the flare of the crown is above ground. Remove the soil, gently place tree in hole, fill with original soil around the plant.
- Prevent circling and kinked tree roots. Straighten or cut off circling or kinked roots. Roots circle or become kinked when there is no space for roots to grow out, such as in containers or small plant holes or organic-filled plant holes. When holes are filled with organic material, roots may never grow beyond the boundaries of the original hole because the roots prefer the richer organic material.
- Check/remove the tree ties or stakes. Remove any tree ties that are too tight and cut into the tree trunk or branches. Tree ties should be loose enough so that your tree can sway with the wind. This movement allows the trunk of the tree to develop more strength and flexibility over time. The ties and stakes may be removed as the lower trunk becomes stronger and self-supporting. Find more detailed information about when to remove ties and stakes here:
- Apply mulch 2-4 inches deep around your tree. Keep all plants and mulch several inches away from tree trunks.
8 Tips on Watering Trees
- Keep tree trunks dry. They should not come into contact with water from sprinklers or hoses.
- Apply the right amount of water at the right time.
- Water newly planted trees regularly for a full season Many newly transplanted landscape trees die from the soil drying out too much between waterings. Regularly water newly planted trees. The tree root systems are small and need to be kept moist for a full growing season.
- Water the newly planted, drought-tolerant species too. This schedule of regularly watering newly planted trees holds true for drought-tolerant species as well as those that require more water. Once plants become well-rooted they should be watered less often but for longer periods of time.
- Water halfway to dripline and beyond. Since tree roots spread outward as well as downward, water should be applied beyond the dripline of the tree, if possible.
- Most established trees need water too. Most trees in California need supplemental irrigation above and beyond the naturally-occuring rains, especially in times of drought. Water established trees less often but more deeply to encourage deep rooting and structural balance above and below ground.
- Trees need to be watered slowly and deeply. If you use a garden hose, apply the smallest trickle of the water slowly, moving the hose every few hours to water the entire area around the tree. The deep watering encourages roots to grow downward and help prevent sidewalk damage.
- Do NOT water trees on the same irrigation/drip system as the one used for lawns and groundcovers. The light, frequent watering every few days that is appropriate for lawns/groundcovers discourages the deep growth of tree roots.
Tip on Pruning Trees
Prune trees only as needed and avoid topping them. Hire a credentialed and knowledgeable arborist to correctly care for your trees. Find a list of International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborists in your area here.
Thinking about tree selection and predicted future climate change
You might select trees that are more suited for the future warming trends. Here is a very interesting article from the UCANR Green Blog on using location for time. For instance, in 2099 the climate in Berkeley may be more like that of Santa Ana.
“Urban foresters in inland cities of California should begin reconsidering their palettes of common street trees to prepare for warmer conditions expected in 2099 due to climate change,” said the study's co-author, Igor Lacan, UC Cooperative Extension environmental horticulture advisor in the Bay Area.
Street trees are important in so many ways:
Trees provide beauty and calm, help us to live with warmer temperatures, fight climate change, provide a natural habitat for wildlife including birds and pollinators. It is important to properly select, plant and care for street trees, so that the benefits of each street tree can be realized to its full potential.
Still need help?
Confused or need more information? Email us at acmg@ucanr.edu. Or contact us through our website.
More resources on the importance of trees, tree selection, tree care:
Four articles with more details on tree selection and tree care from Janet Hartin, UCCE horticulturalist:
- Trees for Tomorrow Start Today
- How to Avoid Common Ailments of Landscape Plants
- Landscape Tree Irrigation 101
- Plant a Tree. Leave a Legacy!
If you want more details of how to plant a tree with photos, here is a good source: “Save the Planet, (Learn How to) Plant a Tree” by Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott who is an ISA certified arborist and an ASCA consulting arborist. She is also WSU's Extension Urban Horticulturist and a Professor in the Department of Horticulture.
The importance of trees to cool urban heat islands
Lush urban forests can help communities face climate change
Trees also can have calming and healing effect on people and community
Cities in California inland areas must make street tree changes to adapt to future climate
Cooperative Extension San Joaquin County
Really good source of information on arboriculture and getting the most benefit from trees through good management.
UC study seeks street trees that can cope with climate change
- Author: Pamela S Kan-Rice
A free webinar series titled “Trees to the Rescue: Solutions for Climate Change” will be held on May 14-16, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day. The webinars are sponsored by the University of California Thelma Hansen Fund.
“The webinars aim to increase our understanding of the role of trees in mitigating and adapting to climate change, how to plant the right trees and keep them healthy in urban environments, and the challenges of increasing the number of trees at the local level,” said Annemiek Schilder, director of Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center, who is organizing the series. Hansen REC is operated by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Participants will discuss some of the challenges and pitfalls of reforestation, urban greening and tree equity. They will also provide diverse perspectives on tree planting and maintenance efforts and policy at the local level.
“Anyone interested in learning about the importance of trees in urban environments and climate resilience, as well as tree retention in the landscape should join us,” she said.
The agenda for each 90-minute webinar is listed below. To register, visit https://bit.ly/HansenTreesWebinar.
Tuesday, May 14: Trees as a Tool for Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience
4 p.m. Welcome—Annemiek Schilder, Director of Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center
4:05 p.m. Opening Remarks—Matt LaVere, Ventura County Supervisor District 1
4:10 p.m. Improving Outcomes of Tree Growing and Forest Restoration Efforts—Karen Holl, Professor of Environmental Studies, UC Santa Cruz
4:50 p.m. Climate Resilience through Urban Greening—Edith de Guzman, UC Cooperative Extension Specialist, Water Equity and Adaptation Policy, UCLA
5:30 p.m. Closing—Annemiek Schilder
Wednesday, May 15: Optimizing Tree Survival in a Changing Climate
4 p.m. Welcome—Emma Volk, Production Horticulture Advisor, UCCE Ventura and Santa Barbara counties
4:05 p.m. Cooling Urban Heat Islands with Climate-Resilient Trees—Janet Hartin, Environmental Horticulture Advisor, UCCE Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties
4:30 p.m. Keeping Trees Healthy from Sapling to Maturity—James Downer, Environmental Horticulture and Plant Pathology Advisor Emeritus, UCCE Ventura County
5:05 p.m. Dealing with the Inevitable Threat of Exotic and Invasive Pests—John Kabashima, Environmental Horticulture Advisor Emeritus, UCCE Orange County
5:30 p.m. Closing—Emma Volk
Thursday, May 16: Tree Advocacy and Planning at the Local Level
4 p.m. Welcome—Julie Clark, Natural Resources Community Education Specialist, UCCE Ventura County
4:05 p.m. Native Tree Restoration with Partners and the Public—Joey Algiers, Restoration Ecologist, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
4:30 p.m. Panel Discussion (Joey Algiers, moderator):
- Joey Algiers, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
- Mireille Vargas, County of Ventura Sustainability Division
- Mikaela Randolph, Green Schoolyards America
- Jan Scow, Registered Consulting Arborist, Ojai Valley
- Max Young, Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council
5:30 p.m. Closing—Julie Clark
- Author: Pamela S Kan-Rice
A free webinar series titled “Trees to the Rescue: Solutions for Climate Change” will be held on May 14-16, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day. The webinars are sponsored by the University of California Thelma Hansen Fund.
“The webinars aim to increase our understanding of the role of trees in mitigating climate change, how to plant the right trees and keep them healthy in urban environments, and the challenges of increasing the number of trees at the local level,” said AnnemiekSchilder, director of Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center, who is organizing the series. Hansen REC is operated by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The agendas for each 90-minute webinar are listed below. To register, visit https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=42636.
Tuesday, May 14: Trees as a Tool for Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience
4 pm Welcome—Annemiek Schilder, Director of Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center
4:05 pm Opening Remarks—Matt LaVere, Ventura County Supervisor District 1
4:10 pm Improving Outcomes of Tree Growing and Forest Restoration Efforts—Karen Holl, Professor of Environmental Studies, UC Santa Cruz
4:50 pm Climate Resilience through Urban Greening—Edith de Guzman, UC Cooperative Extension Specialist, Water Equity and Adaptation Policy, UCLA
5:30 pm Closing—Annemiek Schilder
Wednesday, May 15: Optimizing Tree Survival in a Changing Climate
4 pm Welcome—Emma Volk, Production Horticulture Advisor, UCCE Ventura and Santa Barbara counties
4:05 pm Cooling Urban Heat Islands with Climate-Resilient Trees—Janet Hartin, Environmental Horticulture Advisor, UCCE Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties
4:30 pm Keeping Trees Healthy from Sapling to Maturity—James Downer, Environmental Horticulture & Plant Pathology Advisor Emeritus, UCCE Ventura County
5:05 pm Dealing with the Inevitable Threat of Exotic and Invasive Pests—John Kabashima, Environmental Horticulture Advisor Emeritus, UCCE Orange County
5:30 pm Closing— Emma Volk
Thursday, May 16: Tree Advocacy and Planning at the Local Level
4 pm Welcome—Julie Clark, Natural Resources Community Education Specialist, UCCE Ventura County
4:05 pm Native Tree Restoration with Partners and the Public—Joey Algiers, Restoration Ecologist, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
4:30 pm Panel Discussion (Joey Algiers, moderator):
- Joey Algiers, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
- Mireille Vargas, County of Ventura Sustainability Division
- Mikaela Randolph, Green Schoolyards America
- Jan Scow, Registered Consulting Arborist, Ojai Valley
- Max Young, Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council
5:30 pm Closing— Julie Clark
- Author: Janet S Hartin
To date, over 1,800 climate-ready shade trees and tips on their planting and long-term care have been provided by UC Master Gardeners and over 20 partners to residents of low shade neighborhoods in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties through the “Trees for Tomorrow Start Today” project. Tree species given away are identified from research projects including the joint University of California/United States Forest Service (USFS) study at UC Riverside as well as from other research, local observations, and input from the green industry and academic colleagues.
Why is this project so important? 95% of Californians now reside in cities and suburban environments. Resulting urban heat islands created by built environments coupled with impacts of climate change can be mitigated through nature-based solutions. Planting climate-ready shade trees now will help ensure cooler urban areas in the next several decades as trees mature and maximize their urban ecosystem benefits. Fortunately, the shade from a single well-placed tree can decrease surface temperatures of black asphalt and artificial turf by more than 70 degrees F in hot inland and desert cities. Studies show that surrounding air temperatures can also be reduced through the transpiration process.
A major goal of the"Trees for Tomorrow Start Today" project is to enhance tree canopy cover in low shade neighborhoods also plagued with much higher than average levels of air pollution and pulmonary and cardiovascular disease incidence. Events over the past month have occurred in Fontana, San Bernardino, and the Salton Sea.
Thank you to all our partners and, especially, our tree recipients, for greening and cooling your yard and neighborhood!