Regional tree planting initiatives launched in Germany and Austria

Various regional initiatives in Germany and Austria are promoting urban tree planting to combat climate change. In Biberach, Germany, the BUND Kreisverband launched the ‘100 Bäume für das Klima von Biberach’ campaign. The initiative saw rapid success, with 206 citizens from Biberach and surrounding municipalities like Warthausen and Ummendorf ordering climate-resilient young trees within 72 hours, forcing the early closure of the ordering platform.

In Vienna, Austria, the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has introduced a compensation program following the decision to fell trees for the expansion of the Verbindungsbahn. Through the ‘Klimabäume für den Bezirk’ program, the ÖBB is offering up to 1,500 euros per tree to private garden owners located within 1,000 meters of the railway in the 12th, 13th, or 14th districts. To qualify, plantings must be performed by an ÖBB-assigned landscaping company, use specific climate-resilient species—including fruit trees like apple and cherry—and the trees must remain at the site for their entire lifespan.