Berlin threatens the green: SPD offers talks on the tree initiative!

Berlin threatens the green: SPD offers talks on the tree initiative!

A fresh wind blows in Berlin, because the discussion about the urgently needed reforestation of the city has gained driving. The SPD parliamentary group leader Raed Saleh offered the initiative tree decision and thus set an example that Berlin urgently has to improve when it comes to climate adjustment. The initiative has notarized over 30,000 signatures for its draft law, which aims to plant 300,000 new street trees, thus making the public debate bloom. Saleh himself states that the current heat wave makes it clear that it is "five to twelve" when it comes to health and climate protection in the capital, reports rbb24 .

The talks between the SPD and the initiative are planned in close coordination with the CDU coalition partner. It seems that you can see a common interest here to improve the city climate. However, the Senate rejected the initiative on Tuesday. The cost of implementing the project amounts to over 7 billion euros, which prompted the Senate to reject. Ute Bonde, the Senator for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and the Environment, said that simple focus on green infrastructure does not have to be taken into account and practical challenges - such as sealed street spaces. According to development city are also limited, which could endanger existing tree stands.

referendum and his hurdles

The initiative "Volksenscheid Baum" wanted to anchor the planting of 300,000 new street trees by law, but is faced with a rough resistance. The Senate has expressed the concerns that the project is not only too expensive, but could also put the existing trees in danger. A heat action plan is to be decided this year in order to be able to react better to the increasingly extreme weather conditions.

The current heat waves, which are expected more often in the future, illustrate the urgency of this debate. As part of this, comprehensive climate adaptation strategy planned on the one hand, which is to be developed by the end of 2026, will also be based on a climate risk analysis. This will be about preparing the city as possible for the consequences of the climate crisis without losing sight of the financial possibilities.

It remains to be seen whether the House of Representatives agrees to an agreement or draws on a compromise. The next phase of the tree decision could be immediately due, provided there is no agreement. The pressure on those responsible is high and the questions of climate adaptation are still discussed in political space as central issues. There is something for the future of Berlin, not only the initiatives, but also the citizens: inside, who want a greener and more livable environment.