Information system offers new findings on climate change

"The city must be able to adapt to the heat and the urban climate must be improved," said Jens Kerstan, Senator for the Environment. Kerstan has come out in favour of expanding the blue-green infrastructure and creating shady squares and alleys. Fewer freezing-cold days and more rain, longer dry spells and more heatwaves are significant markers of weather patterns, the system confirmed. And heat-related deaths are on the rise in summer due to the strain on the heart and blood vessels.  Thus, the city is drafting a heat action plan managed the Ministry for Social Welfare.

The heat and prolonged drought are also causing problems for trees and many have had to be felled. The Ministry for the Environment now aims to improve the location of trees, monitor irrigation and plant tree species that are adapted to the climate and place. "The aim is to have as stable a tree population as possible, in terms of numbers, species and age structure," Kerstan pointed out. The climate information system includes 40 indicators on climate development (temperature, rain, sunshine), consequences (e.g., damage to buildings, drinking water demand, storm surges) and urban development parameters (population development, sealing). More information can be found on the heavy rain and flooding map and in the urban climate analysis.

Residents of Hamburg are to be better prepared for extreme weather. To this end, the ministry has launched the "Werde wetterwach!" (Be aware of the weather!) campaign to raise awareness and provide information on floods, heavy rain, drought, heat and storms. "Individuals can protect themselves by taking good precautions and acting correctly. Together, we can be more resilient to the challenges of climate change," said Kerstan. Hamburg is already extending dykes and improving rainwater retention basins. It also backing citizens’ initiatives such as RISA - a funding scheme for unsealing, greening and rainwater infiltration.
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