Germany’s Green Party has proposed planting one million new trees and implementing a nationwide environmental program to combat intensifying heatwaves and their effects.

The German Green Party has called on the government to take decisive action against escalating heatwaves, droughts, and environmental degradation. Party leader Felix Banaszak outlined a plan to plant one million new trees across the country, emphasizing the role of greenery in mitigating extreme heat. He also proposed integrating mandatory tree planting into construction projects, from roadworks to utility upgrades, as part of a new legislative framework.

Additionally, the Greens revealed plans for a federally funded program targeting residential buildings suffering from severe heat exposure and poor energy efficiency. The initiative aims to promote measures such as improved insulation, shading systems, and the use of solar-powered, energy-efficient cooling technologies. Banaszak suggested financing this program through the Climate and Transformation Fund, arguing that the government has failed to address the crisis with the urgency required.

The party’s proposals extend to public institutions such as hospitals and schools, advocating an emergency fund to enhance heat protection in these vital spaces. Banaszak also championed creating accessible swimming areas in urban waterways, drawing inspiration from Parisian projects. Criticizing Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s administration for its sluggish approach, the Greens stressed the need for immediate action, contrasting Germany’s response with other European countries implementing swift emergency measures.