How trees can be used to tackle roadside air pollution. Interview with Professor Prashant Kumar from the University of Surrey's Global Centre for Clean Air Research.

Further research and evidence:

Paper reference in the interview and available for free download: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-020-0115-3

Professor Kumar says:

“We have a long history of research in this area, starting with our first journal publication in 2014, which assessed the potential of roadside vegetation to reduce exposure to ultrafine particles, a study that was subsequently expanded to investigate larger-sized fine and coarse particles along busy roadsides. This journey continued with assessments of the relative potential of trees, hedges, green roofs and walls in city environments and proposed modelling methods for evaluating the impact of green infrastructure. Most recently, our research has highlighted the nexus between green infrastructure, air pollution and human health and we have even released guidance on the implementation of green infrastructure for air pollution abatement.