German Cities Lose Nearly One Million Trees

German cities are facing increasing challenges from climate change, particularly heatwaves, as green spaces diminish. A recent "Hitze-Check 2026" report by the organization Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) indicates a significant loss of urban tree canopy, with over 900,000 trees removed from 195 surveyed cities between 2018 and 2025. This decline in vegetation occurs alongside continued urban development, exacerbating the cities' vulnerability to heat.

The report, which for the first time also examined tree canopy coverage and the increase in sealed surfaces over seven years, found that only seven cities met the scientifically recommended target of 30 percent tree coverage. All studied cities showed an increase in sealed surfaces, with no city demonstrating a negative trend in this area.

Offenburg, Lahr, and Mannheim were identified as the worst "heat hotspots" in the study, while Kiel and Wuppertal were highlighted as positive examples. DUH's Managing Director, Barbara Metz, described the findings as a wake-up call for relevant ministers, urging the implementation of an effective heat protection plan with binding standards for urban green spaces, including the 3-30-300 rule (at least three trees visible from home, 30 percent tree canopy cover in the neighborhood, and green spaces within 300 meters).

DUH has launched a petition titled "Trees Save Lives" and encourages citizens to report trees at risk of felling and to advocate for more greenery in their urban areas. The report utilized high-resolution satellite data to assess tree coverage and its impact on cooling, providing crucial information for urban planning and identifying areas needing improvement.