Recent heatwaves have brought unbearable temperatures to the European continent. A survey of the leaders of a selected group of major European cities reveals that municipalities are aware of the dangers that extreme summer temperatures pose. The architecture firm Paulinyi & Partners, a contracted partner of the European Space Agency (ESA), is leveraging satellite Earth observation data and collaborating with local authorities to develop a solution to create cooler, more liveable neighbourhoods in the near future.
Rising temperatures are among the most pressing threats to human health resulting from climate change, as highlighted by the European Union's Climate-ADAPT platform. The issue affects the entire continent, influenced by geography and exacerbated by the urban heat island (UHI) effect, which can make summers nearly unbearable in densely populated cities. Maps clearly indicate that the most vulnerable areas, where the UHI effect is strongest, include southern France, Italy, the Balkans, and southern Romania. While Hungary is at medium risk concerning heatwaves, UHI can also increase temperatures in Budapest by up to 6°C.
July 2024 was one of the hottest months on record in Hungary. Urban residents were particularly affected, as temperatures in cities can be several degrees higher than in green areas. With more intense heatwaves expected in the future, residents of numerous European cities face significant health risks. Concrete structures and asphalt surfaces absorb heat more readily than green spaces, leading to significantly higher temperatures.
"The recent heatwave alerts underscore the growing urgency of addressing rising temperatures in major European cities. Our survey indicates that municipalities and property managers recognize the need for action but often lack the necessary tools. As architects, we have a responsibility to help create liveable environments, which is why we are committed to finding solutions. Throughout the year, our experts have been developing our HeatScape Resolve service, supported by ESA, to help manage urban heat islands," said Dr. Gergely Paulinyi, DLA, President and CEO of Paulinyi & Partners Zrt.
HeatScape Resolve is a simulation tool that utilizes Earth observation data to inform strategies for mitigating the UHI effect. Paulinyi & Partners also conducts field measurements in Budapest to complement satellite data, most recently monitoring temperature trends in the 13th district. Data from the latest heatwave in July shows that the proportion of green space directly influences the local microclimate. Probe HSR3, placed in a paved, concrete area, consistently recorded higher temperatures compared to a probe located approximately 400 meters away in a green area.
To develop effective solutions, Paulinyi & Partners consulted several Hungarian, Polish, and Italian municipalities regarding their strategies for reducing urban temperatures. The responses indicate that the most common solutions considered by decision-makers are increasing green spaces and planting trees (76%) and retaining rainwater (59%). However, it is evident that municipalities and real estate developers are also seeking comprehensive approaches to mitigate the impacts of climate change at the municipal level. A total of 17 respondents expressed interest in a simulation process that could help curb the UHI effect.
"Feedback from municipalities reveals a strong interest in the service our team is developing. Our goal, in collaboration with ESA, is to create a detailed proposal that can be integrated into routine urban planning processes in the short term. With HeatScape Resolve, we will be able to offer recommendations for reducing the UHI effect during the project planning phase, even at the district level," said Roland Németh, Project Manager at Paulinyi & Partners Innovations, the team leading the project.
Paulinyi & Partners will present its latest innovations and a study on how to reduce the UHI effect to an international audience of professionals at the URBIS 24 Conference in Rome this September. The presentation will be delivered by Dr. Réka Sárközi, a specialist at Paulinyi & Partners and the author of the study. The firm's experts will also be presenting at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan on 14 October 2024.
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