By 2030, Paris will have removed 60,000 parking spaces and replaced them with trees. That’s one of the goals outlined in the French capital’s new 2024-2030 Climate Plan, which was released last week and will soon be voted on by the Council of Paris.
To reach this goal, Paris promises to establish 300 hectares of new green space by 2030, with 10% in place by 2026. Removing parking spaces will be a major component of this. For example, the many curbside spots that flank streets can be replaced with relative ease by lines of trees planted in beds that also aid stormwater absorption. The creation of “oasis squares” in each of Paris’ 20 arrondissements will add other green areas where trees and shade structures such as gazebos offer residents respite from the sun and help lower surrounding air temperatures.
Paris is kicking ass on recovering their city from the damage done by car focused development. Lots of new rail lines, removing parking, raising costs of using cars in the core, and making the city more people oriented. Keep it up! Every car removed is a win for Parisians.