Hitze-check: Ludwigshafen and Co. in the fight against sealing

Hitze-check: Ludwigshafen and Co. in the fight against sealing

The protection of cities against extreme heat is an important topic that is increasingly becoming the focus of the public. A current heat check from the German Environmental Aid (DUH) has shown important knowledge about the heat suitability of German cities. The results are particularly alarming in the Rhineland-Palatinate, because three cities are doing badly.

alarming results for Rhineland-Palatinate

Ludwigshafen, Worms and Mainz were identified as particularly heavily sealed cities, which means that more than 50 % of their areas are covered with impermeable materials. Based on scientific data, the DUH has published a list of 24 cities that "fail" in this regard. Ludwigshafen is even at the top of this negative ranking.

The consequences of sealing

The seal has serious effects on the urban environment. These built areas cannot store rainwater and offer little shade, which can extremely drive up the temperatures in these cities. This makes it increasingly difficult for residents to cool off, especially during the summer months. It is therefore of great importance that cities develop strategies to reduce the effects of the summer heat.

The positive exception: Neustadt an der Weinstraße

A positive example from Rhineland-Palatinate is Neustadt an der Weinstraße. This city has both a low seal and a high green volume and thus receives the "green card" from the DUH. This combination offers residents better protection against the heat and serves as an example of how urban development can also be designed environmentally friendly.

The increase in area sealing

In the entire Federal Republic, more than 50 hectares are sealed every day, which corresponds to an area of the city of Hanover in one year. Although the state government in Rhineland-Palatinate is planning to limit the seal to one hectare per day by 2050, the current numbers are alarming: 2018 1.5 hectares were sealed, an increase to 8.6 hectares per day only three years later shows that there is an urgent need for action.

Future orientation for urban planners

The results of the heat check also take a look at possible solutions. There are already 25 cities in Germany that have been awarded a “green card”. These cities can serve as role models for heat -like planning. City planners in Rhineland-Palatinate are asked to study the positive examples and take on innovative approaches in order to cover the need for more green areas and less sealing.

health and quality of life in focus

The debate about the heat suitability of urban spaces is not only a question of the cityscape, but also an important health question. Human health and quality of life are at stake when cities do not take any measures to protect against extreme heat. A considerable handling of urban space and conscious planning can help to improve living conditions for all citizens.

- Nag