Published on 14 August 2024, 08:21
Graz ranks 12th in the current list of the 15 largest cities in Austria with a sealed area of 130 square meters per capita.
Graz ranks 12th in the current list of the 15 largest cities in Austria with a sealed area of 130 square meters per capita.
A new WWF analysis shows alarming results for Austria’s cities, including Graz: soil sealing is much more severe than previously assumed.
von Julia Waldhauser
2 minutes reading time(330 words)
Graz ranks 12th in the current list of the 15 largest cities in Austria with a sealed area of 130 square meters per capita. The new calculations by the WWF, based on satellite data accurate to the square meter, show that the previous methodology has significantly underestimated the sealing. For Graz, this means that more areas are concreted and asphalted than previously assumed. These areas contribute significantly to the formation of heat islands, which severely affect the quality of life of Graz residents, especially in summer.
Impact on the quality of life in Styria
In Styria, it is becoming increasingly clear how problematic extensive soil sealing is for the environment and health. Simon Poriessoil protection spokesman for the WWF, warns: “The many asphalt deserts are becoming an increasing risk to our health and quality of life, especially in summer.” In Graz in particular, the situation could escalate further in view of the climate crisis. “The need for action is greater than expected,” says Pories. Heat islands created by sealed surfaces heat up extremely during the day and barely cool down at night – a burden for all city dwellers.
WWF calls for more green spaces and desealing in Graz
The city of Graz is now faced with the task of combating the increasing sealing. The WWF is calling for urgent measures: more green spaces that can serve as natural air conditioning, as well as large-scale desealing programs. “In cities, green spaces are the most important air conditioning,” emphasizes Pories. The renaturation and greening of sealed areas could help to reduce the negative effects of sealing in the long term.
Styria has a duty: Strengthen soil protection now
For the whole of Styria, the new WWF analysis means that political action is required. The state government must now take action to stop the increasing consumption of land and implement the EU renaturation regulation ambitiously. The WWF is also calling for a state-wide soil protection package to be anchored in the future government program in order to counteract sealing in cities like Graz.
