Paris wants to turn parts of itself into urban forests

Urban rewilding is a trend in the making as more and more cities globally are seeking to bring nature back into urban life. Now Paris is out to join in, having recently announced plans to transform swathes of the City of Light into an urban forest. The forest will help to achieve a previously set goal to make 50% of the city’s surfaces green by 2050.

This urban reforestation effort is also part of a plan to make the city more resilient to climate change and help it become carbon neutral. More trees will help to achieve this by absorbing more carbon dioxide while also making the city more habitable for its residents.

Treating climate challenges seriously, Anne Hidalgo, the city’s mayor, says that we must start acting today and the way we plan and develop our cities is among the best starting points. She hopes greening Paris will have several benefits and can set an example for other cities.

But don’t expect a large forest sprouting in the heart of Paris. Rather, the plan is to make green areas well distributed throughout the whole city, with particular focus on places of architectural significance, children’s playgrounds and similar areas.

Extra tree cover will help reduce the heat island effect, which should be a boon to residents and tourists alike in a world remade by climate change with soaring temperatures.

Among the already announced projects are a small forest near the Gare de Lyon train stain, newly planted trees around the Palais Garnier opera house and more trees areas around City Hall. The mayor has also announced plans to turn banks of the River Seine into beautiful grassy gardens, while the Eiffel Tower will witness a noticeable extension of green areas around it.

City officials have promised that no architectural places will be hidden behind trees so scenic views of the city’s architectural marvels won’t be blocked from sightseers.