New Berlin law promises a million trees by 2040

"Berlin plans to plant hundreds of thousands of additional trees in the next 15 years to be better prepared for climate change. This comes as the result of the capital's new Climate Adaptation Act ( Klimaanpassungsgesetz), which was approved with a broad majority this week by the Berlin House of Representatives. According to a report by Taz, in doing so Berlin has become the first German state with a climate adaptation law."

"This also marks the first time Berlin's House of Representatives voted to adopt a citizens' initiative as law without making significant changes. The law was based on the BaumEntscheid initiative which gained enough signatures, and was brought to Berlin's parliament for approval. Every party except for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) had supported the act. What does the law say? According to the law, Berlin is to have over one million trees by 2040."

"Berlin's Senate estimates that there are currently around 440,000 street trees in the city, meaning that the city's tree population needs to be more than doubled in the next 15 years to meet the goal. The cost of planting all these trees is estimated at €3.2 billion. Of this, €2 billion are to be financed from Berlin's share of the federal government's special fund, reported Tagesspiegel."

Berlin will increase its tree population to over one million by 2040 under a new Climate Adaptation Act, aiming to more than double current street trees. The Senate estimates about 440,000 street trees today and projects planting hundreds of thousands more over 15 years. Planting costs are estimated at €3.2 billion, with €2 billion expected from the federal special fund. The act originates from the BaumEntscheid citizens' initiative and passed with broad political support except for AfD. Additional measures include expanding green spaces, unsealing pavements, and planning sensible uses of rainwater.

Read at The Local Germany