BERLIN (AFP) - German forests are starting to show the drastic effects of the 2003 heatwave and have never been in such a poor state, a government report warned.
Agriculture Minister Renate Kuenast said at least a third of trees in German forests were shedding their leaves and pine needles prematurely. Overall, only 28 percent of trees in German forests showed no signs of damage and the number of damaged trees had risen by eight percent compared with last year.
The delayed effects of the heatwave in Europe last year coupled with constant damage from factors such as acid rain largely explain the degradation.
"The long drought and the high ozone levels affected forests which were already weakened. We must examine every option to reduce the constraints on the forest ecosystems and strengthen stability of woods and forests," Kuenast said.