What happens when the trees cooling our cities also change the chemistry of the air around them?

In this episode of The Climate Translation, Dr. Mac explores new research showing how some urban trees release natural compounds that can react with nitrogen oxides and sunlight to help form ground-level ozone. Using measurements from Beijing, he explains why compounds like isoprene become especially important on hot days and why different tree species can have very different effects on urban air chemistry.

The episode also examines why this does not mean trees are bad for cities, how reducing human-produced pollution remains essential, and why future urban forestry may need to consider not only shade, cooling, and carbon storage, but also the chemistry of the species being planted.

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