UAlbany’s new climate institute plants seeds of change in Albany’s urban core

A new environmental initiative led by UAlbany is making strides toward a greener, cooler, and more equitable Capital City.

The Institute for Transformational and Ecosystem-Based Climate Adaptation — known as ITECA — has been at the forefront of urban forestry efforts aimed at combating climate change while addressing environmental inequality in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Thanks to a $5 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Forest Service, ITECA is focusing on planting trees in urban areas where tree canopy coverage is critically low. The institute’s mission is to not only reduce the heat island effect in Albany’s most vulnerable neighborhoods but also to promote food security and public health.

“We’ve identified sites in disadvantaged communities where there’s low tree canopy, and we’ve planted trees, primarily along sidewalks,” said Dr. Ríobart é Breen, Director of ITECA, “As folks are walking down the sidewalks, it’s creating shade and reducing the heat and heat stress impact that people are experiencing.”

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On Thursday, the ITECA team planted trees at a condemned property on South Pearl Street — a striking example of how underused or neglected spaces can serve a greater public good.

“One of the great things is, even though this is private property, this is one of those unique situations where we plant a tree and there’s a public benefit,” Dr. Breen added. “As the trees grow and line this area, they’ll provide shade over the sidewalk for pedestrians.”

To date, ITECA has planted over 260 trees this year alone. But the scope of the project extends beyond climate resilience. The initiative also addresses food insecurity by planting fruit-bearing trees in food deserts throughout Albany’s South End.

“We’re also adding fruit to these areas,” said Emma Roylance, Project Assistant at ITECA, “It’s free food for people who are struggling and maybe don’t have access to food and fresh fruit in this area.”

Ty Carter, another Project Assistant with ITECA, emphasized the challenges residents face in accessing fresh groceries.

“The closest grocery store to the area is actually down on Madison, where it meets Western. That’s a long walk or bus ride, and carrying groceries on public transit is extremely difficult. Providing fresh fruit for the community right in their neighborhood makes a big difference.”

ITECA’s efforts are not only improving local access to food and cooling infrastructure, but also inspiring a new generation of climate advocates.

“I’ve seen the effects of the urban heat island firsthand,” Roylance said, “Taking local action is really important. We can make a big difference in our communities just by getting out there and doing our part.”

Looking ahead, ITECA plans to expand its efforts this fall with additional plantings and the launch of a new tree nursery on the UAlbany campus — ensuring the roots of change continue to grow for years to come.