Only Singapore passes the 30% canopy test in urban forest study

Better canopy cover is urgently needed to cool our cities in the face of climate change.

- Thami Croeser

Can you see three trees from your home, school or workplace? Is there tree canopy cover shading at least 30 per cent of the surrounding neighbourhood? Can you find a park within 300m of the building?

These three simple questions form the basis of the "3+30+300 rule" for greener, healthier, more heat-tolerant cities. This simple measure, originally devised in Europe and now gaining traction around the world, sets the minimum standard required to experience the health benefits of nature in cities.

We put the rule to the test in eight global cities: Melbourne, Sydney, New York, Denver, Seattle, Buenos Aires, Amsterdam and Singapore.

Most buildings in these cities failed to meet the 3+30+300 rule. We found canopy cover in desperately short supply, even in some of the most affluent, iconic cities on the planet. Better canopy cover is urgently needed to cool our cities in the face of climate change.

SHADY TREES ARE GOOD FOR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING People are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, obesity and heatstroke in places with fewer trees or limited access to parks. But how much "green infrastructure" do we need to stay healthy and happy?

Dutch urban forestry expert Cecil Konijnendijk set the standard when he introduced the 3+30+300 rule in 2022. This benchmark is based on his wide-ranging review of the evidence linking urban nature to human health and well-being.

While the rule is still relatively new to Australia, it is gaining momentum internationally. Cities in Europe, the United States and Canada are using the measure, formally or informally, in their urban forestry strategies and plans. These cities include Haarlem in the Netherlands, Malmo in Sweden, Saanich in Canada, and Zurich in Switzerland.