• IN the fight for better air quality, pavement trees have an important role to play. Not only do they trap CO2 but a recent scientific study has shown they also absorb the toxic particulates emitted by diesel fuel.

It’s estimated that in the single year 2012-13 the public trees of the city of Strasbourg absorbed no less than 88 tons of pollutants. And of all the tree species studied, the London Plane is the most effective.

So, London mayor Sadiq Khan and Camden and Islington councils, even at a time of budget constraints, when pavement or park trees are to be planted or renewed, please think Plane!

STEVEN ROSE
Emeritus professor of neuroscience
The Open University
Lloyd Square, WC1