In response to escalating heatwaves, Stockholm and Helsingborg are launching major tree-planting initiatives.

Stockholm aims to increase its tree canopy coverage to at least 30% in areas vulnerable to heat effects, with a new budget of 10 million kronor for tree planting and maintenance.

The city plans to replace every felled tree with two new ones, focusing on areas like Rinkeby-Kista, which are among the hottest.

Meanwhile, Helsingborg's new action plan allocates 42 million kronor over seven years to plant over a thousand trees, aiming to increase canopy coverage from 19% to 20%.

The plan emphasizes the importance of trees as critical infrastructure, akin to roads and utilities, to mitigate extreme temperatures, especially in urban playgrounds where temperatures can exceed 50 degrees Celsius.

Both cities recognize the urgent need for more trees to combat climate change and improve urban living conditions.