Archive · 20 Aug 2025
Madrid's Poor Neighborhoods Call for Trees to Combat Heatwaves
In Madrid, some neighborhoods get much hotter than others during heatwaves.
This is because of less shade from trees.
Activists want the city to plant more trees, especially in poorer areas, because trees help cool things down.
The city has increased the total number of trees but some areas have lost trees.
The mayor has had disagreements with activists over cutting down trees.
Without enough trees, the heat can be dangerous, especially for the elderly.
Madrid's poorer neighborhoods, like Puente de Vallecas, experience significantly higher temperatures during heatwaves.
Activist groups are pushing for more tree planting to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Madrid's Mayor, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, has clashed with activists over tree removal for construction.
While overall tree numbers increased, some poorer districts, including Puente de Vallecas, lost tree cover since 2019.
The absence of trees exacerbates the impact of heatwaves, with potential health consequences.
- Who
- Madrid's Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, activists, and residents.
- What
- Debate over tree planting in Madrid to combat urban heat and heatwaves.
- When
- During recent heatwaves and ongoing since 2019.
- Where
- Madrid, specifically in poorer neighborhoods like Puente de Vallecas.
- Why
- To mitigate the effects of heatwaves and reduce high temperatures in urban areas.
Activists and Left-Wing Party
Madrid Mayor's Office
Tree Planting
Activists and Left-Wing Party
Advocate for increased tree planting, especially in poorer neighborhoods.
Madrid Mayor's Office
The city's actions on tree planting have been inadequate.
Tree Replacement
Activists and Left-Wing Party
Replace trees felled.
Madrid Mayor's Office
A recent reform means local councils in certain circumstances can create a fund into which to pay what it would have cost to plant new trees
- Location
- Madrid, Spain
- Neighborhood with Higher Temps
- Puente de Vallecas
- Temperature Difference (Street vs. Shade)
- 3 C
- Highest Recorded Temperature
- 41.4 degrees Celsius
- Tree Cover Loss in Puente de Vallecas (since 2019)
- 1,314 trees or 3%
