Nikkei reports that while major global cities are increasing shade to curb
climate-driven summer heat, Japanese street tree counts have fallen from peak
levels and recent plantings favor species with limited crown growth. University
of Tokyo data show Tokyo’s tree canopy cover declined from 9.2% in 2013 to 7.3%
in 2022, a loss of about 12 sq km of canopy — roughly 250 large baseball fields.
By contrast, Phoenix, Arizona’s canopy reached 11% in 2024.
