Berlin plans to double the number of planted trees by 2040

(Patria) - After the government adopted the climate change adaptation law with a large majority this week, hundreds of thousands of additional trees will be planted in Berlin in the next 15 years.

Only the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) voted against the measure, which was initiated by a citizens' initiative.

The goal of the law is for Berlin to have one million trees by 2040, which is double the current number.

Additional measures are planned, such as creating more green spaces and better use of rainwater, and the project is expected to cost 3.2 billion euros.

Opposition MP Benedikt Lux from the Greens called on the federal government to implement the law as quickly as possible.

- You don't have to be a botanist to know that a mere law won't make trees grow on its own - said Lux.

The citizens' initiative BaumEntscheid considers the law a turning point on the path to a greener Berlin, which will make the German city more resilient to global warming.

Spokesperson Heinrich Strössenreuther said that its implementation must begin soon after the parliamentary decision.

- Time is an important factor in adapting to climate change - added Strössenreuther.