One million new trees: Greens save Berlin's climate and quality of life!

One million new trees: Greens save Berlin's climate and quality of life!

The fight against the heat in city centers is more than just a trend. Today, on June 27, 2025, the Greens in the Berlin House of Representatives are planning an ambitious step: They are committed to reforesting one million new trees in the city. This emerges from a position paper that was recently discussed during a closed meeting in Nauen. RBB24 reports that the current black-red Senate cuts down thousands of trees every year without replacing them. A situation that the Greens find alarming.

Parliamentary group leader Bettina Jarasch points out that Berlin may not have any trees left in 80 years if effective countermeasures are not taken now. Trees are not only green and beautiful to look at, but they also make a valuable contribution to public services. They cool our cities, protect against flooding and can even save lives. Vulnerable groups such as children, older people and socially disadvantaged people in particular benefit from a greener cityscape.

More shade for the city

But what exactly does urban greening bring to citizens? A current study by the Federal Environment Agency shows the positive effects of trees with large crowns and other shading elements, such as awnings or umbrellas. These measures can reduce the perceived temperature in the urban area - the so-called physiological equivalent temperature - by more than 10 Kelvin. Federal Environment Agency emphasizes that cities must also make summer heat more bearable for their citizens. Despite all efforts, however, it appears that many European cities, including Cologne, continue to rely on additional energy supplies.

So how can the quality of life in our cities be further improved? Green spaces created by urban greening are not only a place of refuge for people, but also support biodiversity. Measures such as green roofs and facades also contribute to improving air quality and reducing the heat island effect. Climate knowledge describes that the integration of shade trees and other plant elements requires careful planning and constant care. It is clear that the more green space we have, the more not only we benefit, but also the environment.

The future is green

The effects of heat islands should not be underestimated: cities sweat more in summer than rural areas, mainly due to soil sealing and a lack of greenery. Bar maps show that Cologne and other cities in Germany are severely affected by this problem. From awnings and shady trees to green roofs, the repertoire of options to positively influence the city climate extends.

The Greens' vision is clear: all suitable areas should be used to create small mini-forests. Private individuals can contribute by making space available voluntarily. Ultimately, urban greening is not just a question of aesthetics, but an essential part of urban planning. A positive example are successful urban greening projects in other European cities such as Milan or Hamburg, which show that it is not just about trees, but about the entire living environment of our cities.

The positive effects and the necessary citizen participation are currently being discussed. The latest developments show that the will to change is there and the time to act is running out!