Climate protection projects continue in Fürth: City denies approval for heat check 2.0
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Get ready, Fürth! The city is in the hot seat—literally! The latest "Heat Check 2.0" report by the German Environmental Aid (DUH) has given Fürth a stern warning for heat stress. The city's not alone, though—other major Bavarian cities have also received similar red lights. But what's the beef with Fürth?
Well, it's partially due to its high level of sealing (approximately 54%) and relatively low green volume (2.61 cubic meters per square meter of area). Out of 190 German cities, 31 received a red card. To reach this conclusion, the analysis used satellite data in partnership with the Potsdam-based Luftbild Umwelt Planung GmbH.
The core of the updated Heat Check is the new heat-affected index (HBI). This nifty tool evaluates city areas in 100-square-meter grids based on four central factors: sealing, green volume, surface temperature, and population density. It then calculates how much each city area is affected by heat. Based on the HBI, Fürth ranks third worst in Bavaria. Nuremberg and Aschaffenburg are even further behind.
While the city administration acknowledges the evaluation, they point out that Fürth, like many industrial cities in southern Germany, is characterized by densely built-up inner-city areas and narrow residential quarters. This structural makeup, apparently, makes it challenging to create short-term green spaces, although the city is definitely giving it a go.
One proposed solution: a roughly 2,500 square meter facility at the Hornschuchpromenade. The city also references ongoing de-sealing and greening measures at various heavily sealed sites, as well as plans to plant around 5,000 trees in densely populated areas to increase shade and cooling. Additionally, they plan to enhance public spaces with cooling fountains, drinking water dispensers, and the funding program "Fürth blooms" to inspire private owners to go green.
Despite these efforts, the overall evaluation in the DUH Heat Check remains a bone of contention. The light for Fürth continues to be red—showing there's still plenty of work ahead for the city. Fürth considers itself on the right track but keeps emphasizing regional differences: cities in the south of Germany often struggle more due to their climatic conditions than municipalities in the north.
Looking at broader trends in Germany, cities have been increasing urban greening measures, creating cool infrastructure, and developing heat action plans to mitigate heat stress. Fürth is likely participating in or planning similar strategies, given the regional emphasis on forest management and urban greening. The city aims to reduce the urban heat island effect, integrate renewable energy, align with EU and national targets, and develop heat action plans to combat the heat stress. But let's face it—there's no time like the present to take action and cool down Fürth!
The immediate need for environmental-science interventions in Fürth is evident, with the city's poor rank in the heat-affected index (HBI) and the ongoing challenge in creating green spaces due to its urban structure.滑Into health-and-wellness matters, the scorching heat has become a significant health concern, highlighting the importance of climate-change mitigation efforts in areas like Fürth, and advocating for other similar cities facing similar challenges.
