Every year, on the third Saturday in November, the “Hëllef fir d’Natur” foundation starts the planting season. This is the National Tree Day. This initiative aims to motivate municipalities, individuals, companies and organisations to plant trees.
The role of trees in times of climate change
Trees play a crucial role in the fight against climate change, fulfilling several functions that help mitigate its negative effects.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. This helps to reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the air.
Trees filter pollutants from the air, including dust and soot, thereby improving air quality.
Trees help regulate water by absorbing and storing rainwater. This reduces the risk of flooding and minimises soil erosion.
Trees act as natural air conditioners by providing shade and lowering ambient temperatures through transpiration. This can help mitigate the effects of urban heat islands, particularly in urban areas.
Overall, trees are an important part of nature-based solutions to climate change.
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© Marc Weis |
© Ville d’Esch-sur-Alzette |
© Marc Weis |
Concrete actions in the Minett biosphere
On National Tree Day, the “Hëllef fir d’Natur” Foundation will plant new trees throughout the country. A total of 44 tree plantings are planned throughout the Grand-Duchy, including two in the municipalities of the Minett Biosphere.
In the city of Dudelange, three events are planned for this special day. At 11.30 a.m., the College of Alderman will plant a tree in the schoolyard of the Deich school, in collaboration with the Soroptimist Minett association. At 2 p.m., the Peaux Rouges Dudelange will plant hedges and trees in their orchard, together with the Dudelange gardening service, and at 3 p.m. the College of Alderman will be the plantion of a tree in Le’h park for the children of Dudelange who were born this year.
At 10:00, three whitebeem trees (Sorbus aria) will be planted in the municipality of Käerjeng on the Avenue de Luxembourg. These trees, which belong to the apple family, can grow up to 12 metres high and live for up to 100 years.
The City of Esch/Alzette has organised an event to celebrate the National Tree Day. From 11.00 a.m., the municipal environment office, in collaboration with the green spaces office, will offer a walk through the Galgenberg park. In addition to the history of the park and its diverse planting of trees and shrubs, many different plant species will be on display, some of which will be explained during the walk. The walk is on paved paths.
On Thursday, 28 November, the Environmental Office of the town of Esch/Alzette is organising another event related to the National Tree Day. At 19h00, the documentary film “Le chêne“ will be shown at the Ariston cinema. Winner of the César for Best Documentary in 2023, this completely wordless film focuses on a 210-year-old oak and its entire ecosystem. The screening is free, but advance booking is required. Just send an email to ecologie@villeesch.lu with the number of seats you would like to reserve.