© Bruno/Pixabay Climate protection 27 September 2024 Hamburg’s Ministry for Environment expands data collection on climate change The Hamburg Climate Information System has been updated to include two additional indicators: “excess mortality during heat waves” and “drought-related tree felling”. The system, operated by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture, presents the changes in a measurable way to determine the city’s resilience and need for action. Hamburg is not immune to heavy rain, drought and heat as climate change continues. Expansion of blue-green infrastructure “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. Protecting trees 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 […]
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