The EU's 3 Billion Additional Trees Initiative by 2030

Under the European Green Deal, the European Commission has launched the EU’s regreening journey for nature restoration, committing to planting 3 billion additional trees by 2030 with the help of willing organisations. This isn't just about forests, it's about bringing nature back into our lives, including in cities and urban areas.

Why should cities get involved and increase the number of urban trees? Essentially, to make our cities more comfortable and livable, through the following benefits of adding trees:

• Health: Trees improve air quality by absorbing airborne pollutants, making our cities and our fellow citizens consequently healthier.

• Cooling effect: Trees provide shade, and reduce urban heat through evapotranspiration, making cities more comfortable to live in and more energy-efficient during the warmer season.

• Climate-change resilience: Trees play a pivotal role in the fight against climate change by sequestering CO2.

• Flood mitigation: Trees with their network of roots and soil also help manage stormwater and reduce the risk of floods, a cost-effective alternative to other flood-mitigation infrastructures.

• Community well-being: Green spaces promote mental health and social cohesion by offering space for relaxation, recreation, and community building.

Did you know? Studies suggest that European cities should strive for a 30% tree coverage, thus reducing urban heat up to six degrees.

How can we help? Our EVE Tree Tool assists in identifying and sorting eligible trees for the initiative, automating the reporting process on behalf of the city to the EU. The Tree Tool also measures and calculates the environmental benefits of the new trees, such as pollution absorption, CO2 sequestration, and their natural capital value. We provide those results in ready-to-use formats allowing cities to share these achievements with their citizens easily.

Participating in this initiative is more than just planting trees, it's about creating thriving, sustainable, resilient urban environments for ourselves and future generations.