(Graphic: Science City Darmstadt/Office for Climate Protection and Climate Adaptation)
Against the background of the rapidly changing climate, the science city of Darmstadt, led by the Office for Climate Protection and Climate Adaptation, is creating an integrated and participatory climate adaptation plan. It is a central project of Darmstadt’s climate adaptation management. Completion is scheduled for spring 2025. As a basis, city-wide data on the urban climate and the climate crisis has been collected since December 2022 in collaboration with the German Weather Service. The aim is, among other things, to obtain the best possible local knowledge of overheating potential in order to then develop site-specific adaptation measures.
“Once again this summer, frightening news came from many parts of the world – including Central Europe – about heat waves, floods caused by heavy rain, floods and forest fires,” explains Head of Climate Protection Michael Kolmer. “The effects of the increasingly threatening climate crisis can also be clearly felt in Darmstadt – heat waves and periods of drought were followed this summer by storms and heavy rain events with local flooding. Therefore, consistent climate protection as a task for society as a whole is of utmost importance in order to prevent the climate crisis that is already taking place from further intensifying. In addition, a strategic approach to adapting to the already changing climate is also crucial. We are tackling these major tasks together with experts and the people in our city with the climate adaptation plan,” concluded Kolmer.
In order to estimate local overheating and heat development, the creation of a new climate analysis map was commissioned in July of this year. This covers, among other things, potential risk areas for heat development, but also cooler areas such as cold air formation areas and fresh and cold air paths. The amended map (expected to be completed in spring 2024) is intended to serve as a planning basis for politics and administration in order to develop targeted measures to reduce heat risks.
In addition, a heavy rain hazard map to record the risk of heavy rain is commissioned to an external, expert service provider. The maps should be available by autumn 2024 and simulate surface runoff processes and the effects of the canal system during heavy rain in high resolution. The aim is to identify danger areas for flooding and surface runoff in the urban area and the outdoor areas dominated by agriculture and forestry. Targeted infrastructure projects and protective measures should then be planned and implemented.
Participation will begin in spring 2024, which will enable Darmstadt residents to present their concerns, ideas and suggestions locally in community workshops in the districts. Participation will ensure that the climate adaptation plan reflects the needs and expectations of citizens. Information on the planned participation formats will be provided in a timely manner via the city’s channels and the media.
Background: What is climate adaptation?
Climate adaptation refers to measures taken to adapt to the already foreseeable climate change and to increase resilience to extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy rain and droughts. Climate protection and adaptation to the climate crisis are important to protect the quality of life of Darmstadt’s residents and ensure the city’s sustainable development. Climate adaptation measures include, for example, strengthening green space by securing and creating new green spaces, greening buildings, maintaining and re-creating park and street trees, as well as sustainable rainwater management through, for example, smart irrigation and process water systems or the pursuit of the so-called “sponge city principle”, i.e. the seepage of the water Rainwater on site by creating decentralized areas for rainwater retention, such as deep beds, tree trenches, retention troughs or unsealing measures to create new seepage areas.
(Text: PM Science City Darmstadt)
2023-09-23 18:00:13
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