Overview
- The Abgeordnetenhaus approved the law on Nov. 3 with backing from CDU, SPD, Greens and Left, while the AfD abstained, and it will take effect upon publication in the official gazette in about two to three weeks.
- The statute mandates growth to one million healthy city trees by 2040, requiring roughly 560,000 additional plantings and introducing a three-for-one replacement rule for felled trees starting May 2026.
- Beyond trees, authorities must designate around 170 heat districts within a year, create 1,000 neighborhood cooling islands, expand rainwater management, and issue funded heat action plans.
- Once in force, all administrative decisions must consider climate impacts under a new obligation, with associations gaining standing to sue and a scientific advisory body, steering group and staff to be in place by mid‑2026.
- Implementation is estimated at about €3.2 billion, with roughly €2 billion expected from Berlin’s share of the federal Sondervermögen, drawing criticism from business groups, the FDP and the AfD over spending priorities and scope.