Digital maps show cool oases in Aachen and Baden-Baden!

Digital maps show cool oases in Aachen and Baden-Baden!

In recent years our climate has changed noticeably and temperatures are rising alarmingly. This development is particularly noticeable in cities like Aachen and Baden-Baden. In order to offer citizens relief on hot summer days, these two cities have now created digital orientation aids that pave the way to the “cool places”. Commune21 reports that the interactive maps integrated into the city's participation portals not only show places to cool off, but also list free drinking water options, such as public drinking fountains and refill stations.

In Aachen, a comprehensive map was published that lists accessible cool places throughout the city. In Baden-Baden, on the other hand, the city categorizes its cool places into different types such as outdoor pools, shady green spaces, parks and publicly accessible buildings. These user-friendly representations allow users to quickly find the nearest spots for refreshment.

Together against the heat

What is particularly noteworthy is that the cities are also relying on so-called “swarm knowledge” to further improve the maps. In Aachen, citizens have the opportunity to enter new cool places, while in Baden-Baden, suggestions can be sent to the city. Verified tips thus find their way onto the official map. These initiatives are not only practical but also necessary as climate change causes heat waves to become more frequent, longer and more intense.

How Cool places emphasizes, it is particularly important that the population is informed about suitable places to retreat in the city to escape the heat. This becomes all the more relevant as many people live in urban heat islands, which are heated more than rural areas by buildings, asphalt and dense development.

The challenge of urban heat

Loud DW Over 50% of the world's population already lives in cities, and by 2050 this could even reach almost 70%. The heat island effect can be observed particularly in city centers, which can increase temperatures by up to 15 degrees Celsius. Building materials such as concrete and asphalt are key to this phenomenon because they store more heat than vegetative surfaces. These circumstances underscore the urgency of finding innovative solutions to cool urban living spaces.

Possible measures include greening with drought-resistant plants and water areas as well as the introduction of so-called “cool roofs”, which are less able to store heat. Climate change is affecting not only temperatures but also air quality in cities, highlighting once again the importance of shady places and water sources.

The digital maps in Aachen and Baden-Baden have taken a big step in the right direction to help residents and visitors find cool places to retreat. Considering the hot days ahead, this is a welcome initiative. A good hand in further developing these offers is the key to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to escape the heat and breathe deeply - even in the city.