Two million trees needed for London - 31/07/09

An extra two million trees need to be planted in London to offset the predicted increase in summer temperatures, according to an environment plan for the capital.

The programme to create an environment-friendly London by 2025 has called for more parklands and aims to increase the city's tree cover by 5%.

Isabel Dedring, Mayor Boris Johnson's environment advisor, said: "Trees in streets have a very positive air quality effect, both as barriers and certain kinds of trees absorb pollutants."

The plan, called Leading to a Greener London, also aims to raise inner London's green space by 5%, with more vegetation-covered roofs and trees on the streets.

Green roofs and walls would reduce flooding, support wildlife and cut energy use for air conditioning by 75%.

Ms Dedring cited data which show that average summer temperatures in London would be 3.9C higher than now by 2080, with increases of as much as 6C to 10C on the hottest days.

But research in Manchester has shown that a 10% increase in greenery in a city can help combat the rising temperatures.

Two million trees needed for London - 31/07/09

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