One million trees for Berlin

According to the new Climate Adaptation Act, Berlin is to have more trees and more "cooling islands" in the form of green spaces. (Archive)

Berlin is set to become greener and will get hundreds of thousands of additional trees over the next 15 years in order to be better prepared for climate change.

In a special session, the House of Representatives passed a so-called climate adaptation law by a large majority. The CDU, SPD, Greens, and Left Party voted in favor, while the AfD abstained. The law was based on a proposal by the citizens' initiative "BaumEntscheid," which had submitted a petition for a referendum on the issue. The CDU and SPD coalition factions negotiated a number of amendments with the alliance, resulting in the bill now being passed by parliament. A referendum and a possible plebiscite are thus off the table.

Number of urban trees is to be doubled by 2040

According to the law, Berlin should have over a million trees by 2040, more than twice as many as today. Further climate adaptation measures are planned, such as green spaces as "cooling islands," more rainwater management, and binding heat action plans at the state and district levels.