Author's response to letter by Whitlow et al

摘要

This letter is in response to the letter written by Whitlow et al. expressing a possible contradiction in our article: Modeled PM_(2.5) removal by trees in ten US. cities and associated health effects (Environmental Pollution 178 (2013) 395-402). While we respect Whitlow et al.'s work and opinions, we feel their concerns are unfounded. Their concern is with a sentence in the conclusion that states: "the broad-scale effects of pollution removal by trees on PM_(2.5) concentrations and human health reveal that trees can produce substantial health improvements and values in cities." They state: "The contradiction between the model results and the conclusion raises concerns over the critical role of the scientists in providing clear information and communicating this to decision makers."