Environmentalist Lauren Reid wrote a letter to the mayor of her city. In it, she encouraged the mayor to promote planting trees in the city. Which sentence from Lauren’s letter contains the warrant part of the argument? Urban forests can help communities by reducing several potential effects of climate change. At the same time, transforming yards and vacant properties into natural areas makes good sense. It will benefit wildlife, make our neighborhoods more beautiful, and increase property values.

Trees can also help prevent the increased flooding that is expected because of climate change. Urban trees and green space allow more water to naturally soak into the earth. That, in turn, reduces flooding in backyards and city streets. It can also reduce the strain on storm water systems. It is estimated that a typical medium-sized tree can take in as much as 2,380 gallons of rainfall per year. That means it can reduce runoff and erosion from storms by about 7 percent. By reducing runoff, forested areas help protect our city from the damaging effects of heavy rainfall.