Berlin and Vienna launch street‑tree projects amid heatwave concerns

In Berlin, the Senate’s traffic department plans to fell 35 mature linden trees on Torstraße, prompting criticism from local activists and politicians who argue the replacement plan violates the city’s climate‑adaptation law. Opponents note the trees are up to 80 years old and fear the new saplings will be too young and possibly planted elsewhere. The debate has intensified after a recent heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 °C.

In Vienna’s Leopoldstadt district, officials are running an online citizen‑participation process until the end of July to gather ideas for redesigning Taborstraße. The proposal includes extensive greening measures—new trees, shaded sidewalks, small parks, water features and drinking fountains—to mitigate heat. The plans are linked to an upcoming tram‑track renewal and will be phased in through 2032.