From the Industrial Revolution to the Green Revolution

Manchester was a leading city of the industrial revolution, acquiring the nickname of Cottonopolis due to its important textile manufacturing industry. Many migrated to the city eager to find work in the new factories and mills. As a consequence, during the 18th century, Manchester’s population grew almost tenfold, to 89,000 people. City planning was in its infancy and the rapid urbanization gave rise to many challenges, such of the provision of clean water and urban infrastructure. Today, these problems are solved, but citizens are still mostly disconnected from nature. That is why the City of Trees initiative aims to plant three million trees – one tree for every man, woman and child – in Greater Manchester over the next 25 years. “We will be working with City of Trees and other partners to make Greater Manchester greener and healthier, the best place in the world to grow up, get on and grow old,” says the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. Trees are essential to the future of cities making them healthier, more resilient and more prosperous.