Tree clearing in Ostholstein: Experts warn of fatal consequences!

Tree clearing in Ostholstein: Experts warn of fatal consequences!

In Bad Schwartau, where the green oases are noticeably fewer, more than three hectares of forest are at risk. The clearing is necessary for the new 380 kV line, like the ln online reported. A massive timber harvesting operation was also carried out on Fehmarn: 9,000 trees had to be felled between Avendorf and Puttgarden so that the hinterland connection of the Fehmarnbelt crossing could progress. Fears about the environment and the sparsely forested region are becoming loud - the forestry engineer Eckehard G. Heisinger clearly expresses what many are thinking: The loss of trees in Schleswig-Holstein, the state with the least forest in Germany, is alarming.

Heisinger and the alliance “Save Lübeck City Forest!” vehemently demand that suitable alternatives to deforestation be found. According to Heisinger, it's not just clearing wood; With every tree that falls, cities lose their natural cooling. The loss of vital trees that are urgently needed to mitigate the sharp rise in temperatures in recent years is irresponsible. He highlights an example from Eutin, the Stadtgraben parking lot, as a showcase project that shows how shaded spaces can help improve the urban climate. However, he criticizes the sealing of areas, such as those on the market square, which prevent rainwater from seeping away.

The urgent question of climate adaptation

Nevertheless, the debate about adapting to climate change is still raging. While Heisinger questions Eutin climate adaptation manager Janina Mattheis and her suggestions, it becomes clear that a rethink is necessary not only in the forest, but also in the city. Heisinger estimates that not only should new trees be planted, but that effective compensation measures for the cleared forest should be financed. Although the Ostholstein district is actively increasing tree populations and creating a meadow orchard in Lensahn, the forestry engineer is skeptical as to whether this will be enough to compensate for the decline in valuable tree populations.

According to numerous analyses, such as those by the Federal Environment Agency Umweltbundesamt.de In summary, the water balance plays a major role in the adaptation of our forests to dry periods. Forest conversion from monocultures, such as spruce and pine, to species-rich mixed forests is recommended in order to strengthen the resilience and adaptability of forests. This could not only contribute to climate protection, but also offer long-term solutions for timber harvesting.

Shared responsibility

WWF observations also show that the necessary protective measures can be divided into two categories: area-related and resource-related. These include everything from protected areas to sustainable timber harvesting strategies. Dr. Susanne Winter from WWF emphasizes the relevance of integrative cooperation between all those involved in order to harmonize the demands of nature and the needs of people. A long-term commitment that does not exclude the local population could promote the necessary acceptance and create new perspectives to preserve forests and meet the enormous challenges of climate change, such as wwf.de explained.

So what remains? Well-considered, collective action is urgently needed to give our forests a future while protecting valuable ecosystems. The ball is now in the court of politics, business and every single person who wants to live in harmony with nature. The challenges are enormous, but together we have the opportunity to achieve something great. And that is what our cities and communities urgently need.