Pforzheim is tackling it: 22 measures for a more bearable climate!

Pforzheim is tackling it: 22 measures for a more bearable climate!

In the heart of Pforzheim, the local council has a groundbreaking Climate Impact Adaptation Act decided, which came into force in 2022. This law is part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the effects of climate change and includes an impressive 22 measures. The focus is primarily on the quality of life in the heavily built-up city center, which often suffers from heat.

So what are the concrete steps that Pforzheim is taking? These include initiatives to green courtyards and building facades, installing additional drinking fountains in the city and anchoring climate-protecting measures in new buildings and renovations. The reforestation of the urban forest with heat-resistant tree species also plays a central role. As part of a funding program, the city gives away trees to interested citizens in order to create a better urban climate.

A shared commitment to the climate

The need for such an approach is fueled by rising summer temperatures and the increasing number of hot days, as on pforzheim.de is to be read. Summer rainfall has also decreased significantly, forcing the city to rethink its lifestyle and responsibilities in relation to climate change. A climate impact adaptation concept developed by alpS GmbH and Snøhetta is available to citizens digitally and was already quorate in 2022.

The city administration has also set up a federally funded office for climate impact adaptation management. This is intended to ensure effective implementation of the measures, which had to be adapted several times due to Corona. This includes, among other things, online surveys and workshops to include those affected in the process.

Technical adjustments and future outlook

Pforzheim also thinks about the structural conditions. Like that Federal Environment Agency reported, technical adaptation measures are essential to protect buildings from heavy rain, flash floods and river floods. These include innovative solutions such as upstands in the entrance area, the purpose of which is to prevent water from penetrating, as well as the installation of green roofs, which not only reduce rainwater but also bring about microclimate improvements.

It is also important to adapt the standards in urban planning and new construction to the challenges of climate change. A variety of measures are required here: from the use of climate-resilient tree species to the introduction of dual developments in city centers in order to reduce the heat island effect. One goal is to increase biodiversity in Pforzheim and thus improve the city's climate.

A fresh wind is blowing through the streets of Pforzheim, and the city is determined not only to ensure a pleasant quality of life, but also to take responsibility towards the environment. This is absolutely necessary in these times because one thing is clear: meeting the challenges of climate change requires a joint commitment from citizens and the city administration.