Ecolo-Groen Brussels has asked for clarity over the decision to cut down all trees on the Grasmarkt after storm Austen, following an incident in which a tree fell on a terrace and injured three people.
The accident happened on Friday. One of the victims was seriously injured, but is no longer in a life-threatening condition.
“This incident was life-threatening. We are relieved that the seriously injured person is no longer in danger,” said municipal councillor Lotte Stoops of Ecolo-Groen.
Related News
- Storm Austen: Four injured in Brussels as orange alert is extended to capital
- Brussels parks and Sonian Forest closed due to Storm Austen
- Over 12,000 crisis calls received since Storm Auston hit
She said it was logical for the City of Brussels to order an immediate investigation and take safety measures after the storm.
However, Stoops questioned the decision to remove all the trees from the square that same evening.
She asked whether such a drastic step was really necessary, and whether more limited safety measures or pruning could have been considered while further investigations were carried out.
According to Stoops, the response risks setting a precedent at a time when storms are expected to become more frequent because of climate change.
“If we cut down all trees as a precaution after every storm, there will not be much greenery left in tomorrow’s Brussels,” she said.
The party stressed that trees play an important role in making cities more resilient to climate change.
It said trees provide cooling, retain water and help create a healthier living environment.
Stoops has therefore repeated her call for an overarching tree plan covering all 19 Brussels municipalities.
Under such a plan, the health and stability of existing trees would be assessed using the same criteria and methodology across the region.
