32. Curtis, S., Oven, K., Wistow, J., Dunn, C. & Dominelli, L. (2018). Adaptation to extreme weather events in complex health and social care systems: The example of older people’s services in England.
Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/2399654417695101
Adaptation to extreme weather events in complex health and social care systems: The example of older people’s services in England
Abstract
Our findings contribute to a growing international literature on how conceptual models from complexity theory may be relevant to inform planning in health and social care systems, helping to adapt and improve preparedness and resilience to extreme weather events. We focus on findings from two case studies in England and their relationship to national policy for adaptation. Complexity theory helped to frame strategies for planning for events that are emergent and unpredictable. We find from our case studies that, in spite of the uncertainty involved, some ‘principles’ derived from parts of the literature on complexity theory may provide a helpful framework for the development of more robust preparedness strategies in the health and social care sector. By viewing health and social care as a ‘system of systems’, adaptation planning recognises the interrelationships of built, institutional and social infrastructures. The idea of local systems, with variable, path-dependent attributes, which are partially closed, but permeable to other parts of the wider network, leads to an actionable model of adaptation which emphasises the potential value of local self-organisation, but also underlines the importance of co-evolution across the wider system and the vital role of national initiatives and support for adaptation strategies. The value of sharing experience from local case studies across the national system, as well as among local partners, is very apparent in the experience reported here.
Keywords: Adaptation, local climate action, health and social care, governance implementation, environmental change
33. Wistow J., Dominelli L., Oven K., Dunn., (2015) The role of formal and informal networks in supporting older people’s care during extreme weather events.
Policy and politics., 43 (1). pp. 119-135.
http://dro.dur.ac.uk/13938/1/13938.pdf?DDD34+DDD14+dgg3kjo+d700tmt
The role of formal and informal networks in supporting older people’s care during extreme weather events
Abstract
We use theories of formal and informal networks of care, within a local governance system, to interpret networks supporting older people during extreme weather events. Drawing on international literatures about network governance and emergency management this paper outlines an approach which considers the views of older people and service providers to explore resilience of infrastructures and service agencies. During emergencies, links between different networks of care are important to avoid discontinuities that could endanger older people's health and well-being. This paper explores the scope to draw on local knowledge and local caring networks to inform preparedness for extreme weather.
34. Wistow, J., Curtis, S. & Bone, A. (2017). Implementing extreme weather event advice and guidance in English public health systems.
Journal of Public Health 39(3): 498-505
https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/article/39/3/498/3003015
Implementing extreme weather event advice and guidance in English public health systems
Abstract
Background
Extreme weather events (EWEs) can significantly impact on mortality and morbidity in the UK. How EWE guidance is disseminated and applied across health and social care systems, at the local, operational level, is not well understood.
Methods
This exploratory study develops tools and resources to assist local stakeholders to cascade national 'all weather' EWE guidance across local systems. These resources are also used to evaluate the local interpretation and implementation of this advice and guidance within three local authority areas. In total, five discussion group meetings were held and 45 practitioners took part in the study. A thematic analysis was conducted.
Results
The main themes emerging from the analysis related to awareness of PHE guidance for EWE preparedness, data sharing feasibility, community engagement, specific conditions in remote rural areas and capacity of frontline staff.
Conclusions
The relative difficulty in finding where the study 'best fits' on local stakeholders' agendas suggests that year-round and preparedness planning for EWEs may not have been considered a high priority in participating areas. This study adds to the relatively limited evidence internationally concerning the practical implementation at local level of national adaptation advice and guidance and potential barriers to achieving this.
Karbonsemleges egészségügy?
A világon elsőként Anglia tűzte ki célul az egészségügy klímabaráttá alakítását
Bibliográfia
National Health Service, 2020: Delivering a ‘Net Zero’ National Health Service
NHS England and NHS Improvement, 2020: Greener NHS campaign to tackle climate ‘health emergency'
https://www.england.nhs.uk/2020/01/greener-nhs-campaign-to-tackle-climate-health-emergency/
National Health Service, 2019: The NHS Long Term Plan
https://www.longtermplan.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/nhs-long-term-plan-version-1.2.pdf
National Health Service, 2019: Interim NHS People Plan
https://www.longtermplan.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Interim-NHS-People-Plan_June2019.pdf
Royal College of Physicians, 2017: Breaking the fever: Sustainability and climate change in the NHS
https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/projects/outputs/breaking-fever-sustainability-and-climate-change-nhs
Royal College of Physicians, 2013: Future Hospital Commission
https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/projects/outputs/future-hospital-commission
35. D'Ippoliti, D., et al., 2010, 'The impact of heat waves on mortality in 9 European cities: results from the EuroHEAT project', Environmental Health 9(1), p. 37
https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1476-069X-9-37
Background
The present study aimed at developing a standardized heat wave definition to estimate and compare the impact on mortality by gender, age and death causes in Europe during summers 1990-2004 and 2003, separately, accounting for heat wave duration and intensity.
Methods
Heat waves were defined considering both maximum apparent temperature and minimum temperature and classified by intensity, duration and timing during summer. The effect was estimated as percent increase in daily mortality during heat wave days compared to non heat wave days in people over 65 years. City specific and pooled estimates by gender, age and cause of death were calculated.
Results
The effect of heat waves showed great geographical heterogeneity among cities. Considering all years, except 2003, the increase in mortality during heat wave days ranged from + 7.6% in Munich to + 33.6% in Milan. The increase was up to 3-times greater during episodes of long duration and high intensity. Pooled results showed a greater impact in Mediterranean (+ 21.8% for total mortality) than in North Continental (+ 12.4%) cities. The highest effect was observed for respiratory diseases and among women aged 75-84 years. In 2003 the highest impact was observed in cities where heat wave episode was characterized by unusual meteorological conditions.
Conclusions
Climate change scenarios indicate that extreme events are expected to increase in the future even in regions where heat waves are not frequent. Considering our results prevention programs should specifically target the elderly, women and those suffering from chronic respiratory disorders, thus reducing the impact on mortality.
36. Marí-Dell'Olmo, M., et al., 2018, 'Social inequalities in the association between temperature and mortality in a south European context', International Journal of Public Health 64(1), pp. 27-37
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29577171/
Abstract
Objectives: To analyse social inequalities in the association between ambient temperature and mortality by sex, age and educational level, in the city of Barcelona for the period 1992-2015.
Methods: Mortality data are represented by daily counts for natural mortality. As a measure of socioeconomic position, we used the educational level of the deceased. We also considered age group and sex. We considered, as a measure of exposure, the daily maximum temperatures. Time-series Poisson regression with distributed lag non-linear models was fitted for modelling the relationship between temperature and mortality.
Results: Women had higher risk of mortality by hot temperatures than men. Temperature-mortality association (heat and cold) was evident for the elderly, except for heat-related mortality in women which was present in all age groups. Men with primary education or more were more vulnerable to moderate or extreme temperatures than those without studies. Finally, women were vulnerable to heat-related mortality in all educational levels while women without studies were more vulnerable to cold temperatures.
Conclusions: Social and economic individual characteristics play an important role in vulnerability to high and low temperatures. It is important that decision-making groups consider identified vulnerable subgroups when redacting and implementing climate change resilience and adaptation plans.
37. Mulchandani, R., et al., 2019, 'Effect of insurance-related factors on the association between flooding and mental health outcomes', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16(7), p. 1174
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6480571/
Floods are a significant public health problem linked with increased psychological morbidity. We aimed to investigate the effect of insurance-related factors on the association between flooding and probable mental health outcomes. We performed a secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from the English National Study of Flooding and Health (NSFH) collected two years after an initial flooding event in 2013-14. Our analysis focused on 851 respondents who experienced flooding or disruption. Multivariable logistic regression models were run for each exposure group. Among those whose homes had been flooded, not having household insurance was associated with increased odds of all outcomes compared to those with household insurance, significantly so for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (aOR 4.31, 95% CI 1.31–14.20). Those who reported severe stress due to insurance issues had increased odds of probable depression (aOR 11.08, 95% CI 1.11–110.30), anxiety (aOR 4.48, 95% CI 1.02–19.70) and PTSD (aOR 7.95, 95% CI 2.10–30.1) compared to those reporting no/mild stress. The study suggests there is increased psychological morbidity amongst the uninsured and those who report feeling severe stress as a result of insurance issues associated with flooding. Services should be prepared to support communities through insurance processes, to reduce probable mental health morbidity following a flood event.
38. Mulchandani, R., et al., 2020, 'The English National Cohort Study of Flooding & Health: psychological morbidity at three years of follow up', BMC Public Health 20(1), p. 321
https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-8424-3
Background
Flooding is expected to increase due to climate change, population growth and urban development. The longer-term mental health impacts of flooding are not well understood. In 2015, the English National Study of Flooding and Health was established to improve understanding of the impact of flooding on health and inform future public health action.
Methods
We used 3 years of data from the English National Study of Flooding and Health. Participants who had consented to follow up were sent a questionnaire. Participants were classified into either “unaffected”, “disrupted” or “flooded” according to their exposure. Logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios for probable depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in each exposure group. The Wald test was used to assess the difference in probable mental health outcomes for those who did and did not experience “persistent damage” to their home. Conditional logistic regression was conducted to assess change in prevalence over the 3 years and to identify possible determinants of recovery.
Results
Eight hundred nineteen individuals were included in the final analysis – 119 were classified as unaffected, 421 disrupted and 279 flooded. Overall, 5.7% had probable depression, 8.1% had probable anxiety and 11.8% had probable PTSD, with higher prevalence in the flooded group compared with the unaffected group. After adjustment for potential confounders, probable mental health outcomes were higher in the flooded group compared to the unaffected group, significantly for probable depression (aOR 8.48, 95% CI 1.04–68.97) and PTSD (aOR 7.74, 95% CI 2.24–26.79). Seventy-seven (9.4%) participants reported experiencing persistent damage to their home, most commonly damp (n = 40) and visible mould (n = 26) in liveable rooms. Of the 569 participants who responded at all 3 years, a significant reduction in prevalence for all probable mental health outcomes was observed in the flooded group.
Conclusions
Flooding can have severe long-lasting consequences on mental health in affected populations. If these problems are not identified and treated early, they may persist for years. Further research is necessary to develop and evaluate interventions to increase resilience in at risk populations and to ensure timely access to support services following flooding.
39. Reckien, D., et al., 2018, 'How are cities planning to respond to climate change? Assessment of local climate plans from 885 cities in the EU-28', Journal of Cleaner Production 191, pp. 207- 219
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652618308977
Abstract
The Paris Agreement aims to limit global mean temperature rise this century to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels. This target has wide-ranging implications for Europe and its cities, which are the source of substantial greenhouse gas emissions. This paper reports the state of local planning for climate change by collecting and analysing information about local climate mitigation and adaptation plans across 885 urban areas of the EU-28. A typology and framework for analysis was developed that classifies local climate plans in terms of their alignment with spatial (local, national and international) and other climate related policies. Out of eight types of local climate plans identified in total we document three types of stand-alone local climate plans classified as type A1 (autonomously produced plans), A2 (plans produced to comply with national regulations) or A3 (plans developed for international climate networks). There is wide variation among countries in the prevalence of local climate plans, with generally more plans developed by central and northern European cities. Approximately 66% of EU cities have a type A1, A2, or A3 mitigation plan, 26% an adaptation plan, and 17% a joint adaptation and mitigation plan, while about 33% lack any form of stand-alone local climate plan (i.e. what we classify as A1, A2, A3 plans). Mitigation plans are more numerous than adaptation plans, but planning for mitigation does not always precede planning for adaptation. Our analysis reveals that city size, national legislation, and international networks can influence the development of local climate plans. We found that size does matter as about 80% of the cities with above 500,000 inhabitants have a comprehensive and stand-alone mitigation and/or an adaptation plan (A1). Cities in four countries with national climate legislation (A2), i.e. Denmark, France, Slovakia and the United Kingdom, are nearly twice as likely to produce local mitigation plans, and five times more likely to produce local adaptation plans, compared to cities in countries without such legislation. A1 and A2 mitigation plans are particularly numerous in Denmark, Poland, Germany, and Finland; while A1 and A2 adaptation plans are prevalent in Denmark, Finland, UK and France. The integration of adaptation and mitig
ation is country-specific and can mainly be observed in two countries where local climate plans are compulsory, i.e. France and the UK. Finally, local climate plans produced for international climate networks (A3) are mostly found in the many countries where autonomous (type A1) plans are less common. This is the most comprehensive analysis of local climate planning to date. The findings are of international importance as they will inform and support decision-making towards climate planning and policy development at national, EU and global level being based on the most comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of local climate planning available to date.
40.Semenza, J. C., 2020, 'Cascading risks of waterborne diseases from climate change', Nature Immunology 21(5), pp. 484-487
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41590-020-0631-7?proof=t%29
Climate change can trigger a sequence of events of significant magnitude with consequences for waterborne diseases. Heavy rainfall, flooding and hot weather are associated with waterborne diseases, but early warning systems could intercept these cascading risks.
41. VITO, 2019b, Web application: climatic suitability of the Aedes albopictus mosquito in European cities from 2008 to 2017 derived from reanalysis, Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), Mol, Belgium.).
https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/external/climatic-suitability-of-the-aedes
As part of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the European Health Sectoral Information System produced climate suitability maps for Aedes Albopictus (ECDC, 2009; Vito, 2019b). The P90 (90 th percentile) indicator of the climatic suitability of the urban area for tiger mosquito represents the specific exposure of single cities and is independent of the model domain or size of a city. Since it is the 90th percentile, there are grid cells (areas) in a city with an even higher suitability value, so it can be considered a rather conservative value.
42. Callaghan, A., et al., 2020, 'The impact of green spaces on mental health in urban settings: a scoping review', Journal of Mental Health, pp. 1-15
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310728/
Abstract
Background: Our planet is currently experiencing the largest wave of urban growth in history, with 55% of the world's population (4.2 billion people) currently living in urban areas, a figure set to rise to 70% by 2050. Primary care is the first point of treatment for most mental health disorders. Since the urban environment and health are intrinsically linked, it is useful to examine the effectiveness of Nature-Based Solutions in addressing mental health.
Aims: The aim of this scoping review was to examine "How urban green spaces can improve mental health and wellbeing among patients attending general practice and primary care?"
Methods: The scoping review framework comprised a five-stage process developed by Arksey and O'Malley.
Results: Twenty-five studies were included in the review, mostly cross-sectional studies. A wide range of mental health outcomes were identified. Out of the 25 included studies, 23 showed positive associations between mental health and green space characteristics.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that while green spaces are associated with positive mental health outcomes, most studies were cross-sectional in nature and provided limited evidence for association. Furthermore, the population samples used in most of the studies were taken from national survey data and were not specifically primary care patients. Further studies that assess primary care patients specifically are warranted.
43. Porcherie, M. et al., 2018, ’Urban green spaces and cancer: a protocol for a scoping review’ BMJ Open . 2018 Feb 16;8(2)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29453298/
Abstract
Introduction: Green space in the built environment is an important topic on the health agenda today. Studies have shown that access to green spaces is associated with better mental and physical health, yet green spaces can also be detrimental to health if they are not managed appropriately. Despite the increasing interest in urban green spaces, little research has so far been conducted into the links between green spaces and cancer.
Objective: The purpose of this scoping review is therefore to map the literature available on the types of relationship between urban green spaces and cancer.
Method and analysis: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols 2015 guideline to report the protocol. To conduct this scoping review, we will use a structured search strategy based on controlled vocabulary and relevant key terms related to green space, urban space and cancer. We will search MEDLINE (PubMed), GreenFILE (EBSCOhost), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (EBSCOhost) and ScienceDirect as electronic database as well as hand-search publications for grey literature. This review will therefore provide evidence on this current topic, one which could have practical implications for policy-makers involved in choices which are more conducive to healthy living.
Ethics and dissemination: No primary data will be collected since all data that will be presented in this review are based on published articles and publicly available documents, and therefore ethics committee approval is not a requirement. The findings of this review will be presented at workshops and conferences, and will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
44. Abadie, L. M., et al., 2017, 'Investing in adaptation: flood risk and real option application to Bilbao', Environmental Modelling & Software 95, pp. 76-89
Abstract
Investment decisions in adaptation are usually made under significant uncertainty due to climate change and socio-economic trends. In this study, we propose three ways to incorporate climate and socio-economic uncertainty into the assessment of an adaptation infrastructure designed to cope with flood-risk in the city of Bilbao. First, we use stochastic modelling to estimate the present value of expected damage over a time period, considering that extreme events may increase in the future. Second, we develop an additional calculation that incorporates two risk measures used in financial economics: Value-at-Risk and Expected Shortfall, the latter being a less common but better risk indicator. Third, we illustrate a case of Real Options Analysis (ROA) in which a binomial tree is used to study whether the best decision at present is to invest now or to delay the investment decision.
45. Carvalho, D., et al., 2017, 'Urban resilience to future urban heat waves under a climate change scenario: a case study for Porto urban area (Portugal)', Urban Climate 19, pp. 1-27
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311096315_Urban_resilience_to_future_urban_heat_waves_under_a_climate_change_scenario_A_case_study_for_Porto_urban_area_Portugal
This work aimed to assess the effectiveness of several resilience strategies to mitigate extreme urban heat episodes in Porto (Portugal). Different resilience scenarios were studied with the WRF urban modelling system, using as case-study a future heat wave occurring in Porto urban area. The resilience factors considered were the increase of urban green areas and the application of cool (green and white) roofs. The results showed that the most effective resilience strategies to mitigate high urban temperatures are the application of cool roofs. These resilience strategies produced the strongest reduction in the average and maximum surface temperatures over Porto urban area under a future heat wave. Considering that white roofs are considerably easier and cheaper to apply in urban areas than green roofs, this resilience strategy can be seen as the most viable, cost-effective and economically attractive approach for mitigating extreme urban temperatures. This study proposed several different urban resilience strategies to extreme temperature episodes for the first time for Porto urban area, proved their effectiveness and compared their ability to reduce urban heat. Such findings can be of great importance for Porto urban planning stakeholders given the expected increase in the heat waves frequency and intensity in future climate.
46. Arnbjerg-Nielsen, K. and Fleischer, H. S., 2009, 'Feasible adaptation strategies for increased risk of flooding in cities due to climate change', Water Science and Technology 60(2), pp. 273‑281
Abstract
Northern Europe is one of the regions where more frequent and more severe storms and storm surges are expected due to climatic changes. In order to maintain an acceptable risk of flooding suitable adaptation strategies must be defined and implemented. Optimum solutions demand collaboration of different professionals and thus simple graphical means must be employed to illustrate the economic impacts of the change in risk of flooding. A case study indicates that urban drainage infrastructure capacity should be upgraded while there is currently no economic incentive to improve protection against sea surges.
The People’s Health Hearing: Health Justice means Climate Justice
COP26 People’s Summit esemény, Glasgow
The People’s Health Hearing seeks to bear witness to the public health impacts of extractive industries, create a space that connects to people’s struggles and set out a vision for intersectional, transformative climate justice. It is a space for movement building, connecting health and climate activists across the world and laying the roots for ongoing organising.
We will hear people and communities at the frontlines of extractivism share testimonies of how these industries are devastating people’s health, share stories of hope and how communities are resisting.
Contributors: Ken Henshaw, We the people Harpreet Kaur Paul, Tipping Point / Wretched of the Earth Maan Tablang, The People’s Health Movement Noemi Gualinga, Indigenous and Human rights defender Tammam Aloudat, Syrian Doctor and Director of Global Health Centre
Covid to Climate, What Role for Public Services
COP26 People’s Summit esemény, Glasgow
https://cop26coalition.org/peoples-summit/covid-to-climate-what-role-for-public-services-2/
The Covid crisis created new awareness of the importance of strong public services and responsive governments. How to build on this awareness to deal with the climate crisis.
Contributors: Rosa Pavanelli, General Secretary, Public Services International (global labour federation)Satoko Kishimoto, TNI, Coordinator, Public Alternatives Sean Sweeney, Trade Unions for Energy Democracy Nayareth Quevedo, PSI office, Chile –
Nemzetközi civil szervezetek a COP26 eredményeiről
Friends of the Earth International
Scandalous outcome to COP26 as 1.5° hangs by a thread
The outcome of COP26 leaves developed countries free to keep polluting whilst giving the green light for massive land grabs for offsets in developing countries. The UK Presidency and their allies are patting themselves on the back but no deal at all would have been better.
https://www.foei.org/features/scandalous-outcome-to-cop26-as-1-5-hangs-by-a-thread
Greenpeace International
COP26: More than expected, less than hoped
The gavel has come down at COP26, officially ending this year’s UN Conference on Climate Change. The 1.5 C goal stays alive, and the new Glasgow Agreement recognises the need for deep emissions cuts in this decade but the new climate deal is a long way from the action we need now.
https://www.greenpeace.org/international/story/50767/cop26-more-than-expected-less-than-hoped/
Global Campaign to Demand Climate Justice
The People’s COP26 Decision for Climate Justice
Throughout the existence of the UNFCCC, governments have moved from policies, to empty pledges, to press releases and proclamations made outside the negotiations process that mean they cannot be held to account for failing to meet them. “Net zero” pledges without concrete plans to achieve Real Zero emissions, without adequate legally binding commitments to protect human rights, are simply greenwashing, a smokescreen hiding the intent to continue polluting and digging the graves of our present and future generations with impunity.
https://www.demandclimatejustice.org/2021/11/13/the-peoples-cop26-decision-for-climate-justice/
Oxfam International
Oxfam’s verdict on the COP26 outcome
Clearly some world leaders think they aren’t living on the same planet as the rest of us. It seems no amount of fires, rising sea levels or droughts will bring them to their senses to stop increasing emissions at the expense of humanity.
https://www.oxfam.org/en/press-releases/oxfams-verdict-cop26-outcome
WWF International
Disappointing COP26 closure, but keeps a narrow window open for 1.5°C
Rules advanced sufficiently to allow the needed pivot to implementation
Climate-ADAPT: Berlin Biotope Area Factor – Implementation of guidelines helping to control temperature and runoff (2014)
In inner city Berlin, plans for the development of new buildings are subjected to the Berlin Landscape Programme, which includes a regulation requiring a proportion of the area to be left as green space: the Biotope Area Factor (BAF) or BFF (Biotop Flächenfaktor). All potential green areas, such as courtyards, roofs and walls are included in the BAF. The regulation is a part of a larger set of documents relating to landscape planning and design as well as species protection. It responds to the need to encourage more green space in densely built-up urban areas.
Climate change is expected to increase and intensify heatwaves and water-related extremes; two impacts that are particularly relevant for the urban context. By encouraging the introduction of more green space, the BAF is an important mechanism to reduce local climate change vulnerability as its measures help to lower the temperatures and improve the runoff management. The implementation of the BAF started in 1994 and is still on-going. A considerable number of new built areas in the inner city centre have implemented this regulation, translating it into green areas.
Climate-ADAPT: 'Climate bond financing adaptation actions in Paris (2016)'
https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/ metadata/case-studies/climate-bond-financing-adaptation-actions-in-paris
Sustainable development has been a major concern for the City of Paris for more than 10 years. When, in 2015, the City of Paris hosted the COP21, the City Hall wanted to send out a strong signal to the international community and to other local and regional authorities and show the diversity of municipal ecological actions and commitments. To emphasize this, the City of Paris erected the climate bond to finance climate and energy projects. The total size of the bond is € 300 million, with a running time until May 2031. The bond aims at private investors who consider it as a secondary advantage to invest in the sustainability of the city of Paris. They will receive a profit rate of 1.75% per year. 20% of the climate bond funds have been assigned to adaptation projects.
Currently, two projects with a climate adaptation objective have been included in the bond and are being implemented: planting 20,000 trees in the city and creating 30 hectares of new parks by 2020.
Climate-ADAPT: 'Living in a tree house in Torino (Italy): combining adaptation and mitigation measures to improve comfort (2019)'
https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/metadata/ case-studies/living-in-a-tree-house-in-torino-italy-combining-adaptation-and-mitigation-measures-to-improve-comfort
25 Verde is a residential building in Torino including 63 apartments (ranging from 50 to 140 square meters), which has been designed to integrate over 150 trees and other plants in the façade and on the roof to create an ideal micro-climate inside the building, while reducing air and noise pollution. The building is also well insulated from high and low outside air temperatures that respectively occur during summertime and wintertime. Energy efficiency measures used in the building address climate change adaptation needs and represent mitigation potential.
The vertical metal structure is in the shape of trees and “grows” from the ground-floor to the roof, holding up the wooden planking of the terraces. It is entwined with the vegetation to form a unique façade. The living forest is, thus, integrated in the building’s outer shell, and provides shade only during the hottest months, as all chosen plants are deciduous. Moreover, the outer shell of the building, by providing thermal insulation, improves the internal comfort during extreme temperature events, thus enhancing the adaption capacity to global warming, and, at the same time, decreasing energy required for heating and cooling.
Climate-ADAPT: 'Ghent crowdfunding platform realising climate change adaptation through urban greening (2016)'
https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/metadata/case-studies/ ghent-crowdfunding-platform-realising-climate-change-adaptation-through-urban-greening
Ghent aims at realizing more green areas in response to climate change and actively seeks citizen involvement to achieve this. This is in line with the city being very social and creative with many citizens actively developing bottom-up initiatives. Many of these small scale projects however have difficulty developing into a successful project through the available financing mechanisms. Therefore, Ghent has developed a crowdfunding platform that allows citizens to propose and finance their ideas for the city.
Today, two projects addressing climate adaptation have been successfully realized with support of the crowdfunding.gent platform; one project encouraging urban farming and the other realising edible streets. The projects might seem small when it comes to addressing climate change challenges. However, the crowdfunding platform is found to be an excellent instrument to realise small ‘drops’ of climate adaptation measures that have the opportunity to generate larger ripple effects.
Climate-ADAPT: 'Stuttgart: combating the heat island effect and poor air quality with green ventilation corridors (2014)'
Stuttgart’s location in a valley basin, its mild climate, low wind speeds, industrial activity and high volume of traffic has made the city highly susceptible to poor air quality. Development on the valley slopes has prevented air from moving through the city, worsening air quality and contributing to the urban heat island effect. A Climate Atlas was developed for the Stuttgart region, presenting the distribution of temperature and cold air flows according to the city’s topography and land use. Based on this information, a number of planning and zoning regulations were recommended that also aim at preserving and increasing open space in densely built-up areas. As a result, over 39% of Stuttgart area is protected, green areas (urban forests, trees in parks and in streets) have been expanded and ventilation corridors have been preserved from urban expansion. To further improve resilience to hotter summers and more frequent heatwaves, other adaptation measures have been and are being implemented in the city, including green roofs, greening of tram tracks and buildings, shading facades of buildings through street trees and upgrading of smaller public spaces to “cool spots”. Blue infrastructures, such as drinking fountains and other water elements are also being improved. All these adaptation measures help to reduce the heat island effect that will further increase due to hotter summers and more frequent and intensive heatwaves. Ventilation corridors and expanded green areas also contribute to improving the urban air quality, respectively dispersing and reducing air pollutants.
Climate-ADAPT: 'Adapting to heat stress in Antwerp (Belgium) based on detailed thermal mapping (2020)'
https:// climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/help/share-your-info/general/ adapting-to-heat-stress-in-antwerp-belgium-based-on-detailed-thermal-mapping
The city of Antwerp, in order to better understand the problem of heat stress, commissioned the research organization VITO to map the current and future temperatures and thermal comfort in the city. The research results indicate that the urban heat island of Antwerp exacerbates the impact of climate change on the urban population as the amount of heatwave days in the city raises twice as fast as in the rural surroundings. To tackle the problem of heat stress in the city, adaptation measures at three different scales (city-wide, local and the individual citizen) are put forth. At the city-wide scale, the installation of green roofs is made mandatory for new or renovated buildings with a suitable roof, as are permeable and green parking lots. The regulations also aim to increase albedo of public buildings. At the local scale, the thermal comfort is improved by installing fountains and ponds, planting trees and creating parks in public spaces that are renovated, while involving inhabitants through citizen science measurement campaigns. Finally, a dedicated heat forecast and warning system is put in place to minimize the health impacts to individual citizens.