Land supports climate adaptation in cities

Land supports climate adaptation in cities

Measures to adapt to climate change: Ministry of Transport promotes greening of cities and municipalities

The increasing number of heat days and dry periods requires better preparation of our cities and municipalities. In order to alleviate the effects of climate change in the city centers and to cool the urban climate, the Ministry of Transport relies on the removal of areas and the greening of the urban surroundings. Through the State Community Transport Finance Act (LGVFG), the Ministry of municipalities supports financially in the implementation of appropriate measures.

In particular in densely built -up areas, cities and municipalities heat up more than their surroundings. The residents of densely built -up residential areas and people who work outdoors are therefore particularly affected by heat waves. In order to counteract this, the removal of areas and their greenery are central approaches.

The LGVFG offers the municipalities financial support for various measures to adapt roads and traffic areas to climate change. The aim is to improve life and quality of stay in the cities. Transport Minister Winfried Hermann emphasized that oversized, sealed and heat-absorbing road and parking areas should be sealed and greened, if possible. Many cities and municipalities already recognize the need for action and take the first steps in this direction.

The conversion to living and traffic -calmed towns not only enables the conversion of lanes and parking spaces, but also the conversion of traffic areas into green areas and planting trees. In addition, play and residence areas can be created with the funding, for example by setting up seating or creating additional shadows and water elements.

The positive effects of green areas and trees on the microclimate in city centers are scientifically proven. Drone heating images show an average of 20 degrees Celsius higher air temperature over sealed areas compared to adjacent green areas. By shading, the perceived temperature can be reduced by up to twelve degrees, and the surface temperature drops by ten to 20 degrees.

municipalities have the opportunity to submit an application to the LGVFG program with the regional councils by October 31. There is also the possibility of a program recording during the year. In addition to the funding for the redesign of the town, the state is planning its own program to convert local passages on federal and state roads.

Since 2019, municipalities have been available to attractive funding opportunities to convert their town center. The funding includes the conversion of roads, the improvement of traffic conditions for cyclists and pedestrians, measures to increase traffic safety as well as to improve quality of life and reduce noise and air pollution.

The Ministry of Transport encourages all municipalities to adapt measures to adapt to climate change and to take advantage of the funding. By sealing areas and the greening of the cities and municipalities, we can counteract heat periods, reduce CO2 emissions and give nature more space. This creates future -oriented and livable inner cities and town center.