Berlin’s Bold Tree Law Aims for 1 Million Trees by 2040 Despite Debt Concerns
Berlin has approved a new Tree Law, aiming to significantly increase the city's tree population. The ambitious plan, backed by over 33,000 Berliners, will see the planting of over 500,000 new trees by 2040. However, the initiative has sparked debate about responsible spending, given the city's substantial debt.
The new legislation, adopted on November 4, 2023, seeks to mitigate climate change by reducing temperatures, providing shade, and improving air quality. The city plans to use €2 billion from its infrastructure fund share to finance the tree-planting program, with an estimated total cost of €3.2 billion.
Critics have argued that Berlin should use the funds more responsibly, given its total debt exceeds €42 billion, with per capita debt over €18,000. The city's current tree population stands at 440,000, and the new law aims to increase this to 1 million in 15 years. The tree-planting program will be financed using funds from the €500 billion special fund set up by the German Federal Government.
The new Baumgesetz (Tree Law) in Berlin is a significant step towards enhancing the city's green spaces and combating climate change. Despite concerns about responsible spending, the city remains committed to its ambitious tree-planting goal, with over 500,000 new trees planned by 2040.
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