Munich tree petition delivers nearly 64,000 signatures

Organizers of Munich’s tree petition handed nearly 64,000 signatures to city officials on Monday, calling for more than 12,000 new trees and shade over 30 percent of city streets by 2040, BR reported.

The signatures, almost twice the number required, filled ten boxes displayed outside Munich’s city hall before being presented to officials. Deputy Mayor Mona Fuchs and several city councillors attended the handover at Marienplatz, a central square.

The initiative says additional trees are important for adapting to climate change. Fuchs also pointed to the city’s recently released climate function map, which identifies areas at risk of overheating. She said the city had already taken action, while acknowledging that some people want progress to be faster and that the city must work within its available resources.

Munich’s “Climate-resilient Munich 2050” plan also sets a goal of covering up to 30 percent of city streets with tree canopies, though on a later timetable than the petition proposes. The organizers hope their campaign will increase political pressure to accelerate climate adaptation.

The city council could adopt the petition’s goals, agree on a compromise with organizers or allow the issue to go to a public vote. Talks are under way, but the outcome remains open. The council is expected to consider the matter at its November meeting, after the signatures have been checked.

The initiative was founded in March 2025 by Stefanie Günther and Joseph Coenen. It is supported by about 150 volunteers and 50 partner organizations.