The Czech start-up ECOTEN created a temperature map of Vienna, which shows the ten most affected places by heat, in which also live a large proportion of seniors and children. Problematic areas with a lack of greenery are mostly located in the Vienna districts near the center. The city will now use the map to plan changes.
The temperature map shows areas where it is both warmest and least green as well as were is the most concentration of children and seniors. This new finding will help Vienna deploy appropriate measures for the affected population.
“By knowing exactly where we should intervene now, we can take quick, short-term measures while planning in the long run. We’ll consider where trees will be planted, benches built, facades greened, water playgrounds built, and traffic reduced to ensure that the neighborhood gets cool overall, ”explains Birgit Hebein, Green Deputy Mayor and Vienna Environment Councilor.
Asphalt and concrete absorb heat, which often stays in the streets overnight. As a result, people have difficulty falling asleep and do not get enough rest during their sleep. This affects people who live in places with little or almost no public access to water or green areas such as parks, green courtyards or swimming pools.
The number of heat days is increasing
The risk of rising heat in Vienna today is much higher than ever because of the climate crisis. During heat days the temperature rises above 30 degrees Celsius. Between 1981 and 1990, an average of 15.2 heat days per year were recorded in Vienna. From the beginning of 2019 to June there were already 12 of them. By 2050, temperature is forecasted to increase by 8 degrees.
How did the map originate?
ECOTEN used satellite imaging technology and a geographic information system to store, manage and analyze spatial data to collect data and create a temperature map. Not surprisingly, the most affected areas are the densely built central parts of Vienna in the Favoriten, Ottakring, Landstraße and Margareten districts.
See the original article: https://www.energyhub.eu/article/detail/268429-cesi-vytvorili-teplotni-mapu-pro-viden
