Asthma in Oregon

by: PHOTO COURTESY OF COALITION FOR A LIVABLE FUTURE - For the first time, maps created by the Coalition for a Livable Future can pinpoint small geographic pockets where residents have alarming rates of asthma

 

Scientists in the Portland area are using maps to correlate population suffering from asthma the the presence of tree canopy in their home neighborhoods. This theory sounds scientific, and the correlation does seem to be significant. However, the metropolitan areas of Portland have interstate freeways and high density motor traffic to effect these numbers as well.  This article suggests that planting trees in neighborhood with high instances of asthma may improve sufferers conditions. However, doesn't it make more sense to quit causing the pollution in the neighborhoods by using green travel methods, instead of trying to plant trees to clean up our mess? What do you think of this article from the Portland Tribune?