Strategies for coping with heatwaves

ISAP research project at the University of Stuttgart aims to prepare the Stuttgart region for climate change [ Picture: City of Stuttgart] Heat stress in summer as well as more frequent extreme rain events are already a reality in the Stuttgart region, and will occur more often in the future as a result of climate change. A new research project led by Prof. Jörn Birkmann at the University of Stuttgart intends to show what the city and the region need to do to prepare for such events. The project was officially launched on August 17, 2020. The heatwave over the last few weeks, which saw temperatures of above 38°C in the Stuttgart region and across Germany as well as heavy rainfall is proof that it is becoming more and more important for cities to adapt to climate change in order to be able to function. According to information from the Baden-Württemberg State Statistical Office, around 1700 people died due to high temperatures in summer 2019 alone. To maintain the residential quality and the quality of life in the Stuttgart region, as well as its security and competitiveness as a polycentric, highly dense area with strong economic growth, adapting to meet the impacts of climate change is essential. In order to achieve this, the relevant parties - especially those working in urban and regional development - need information on how climate change will have an impact on a local level, what the long-term consequences will be as a result, and what options are available for taking action.