Thermal mapping and urban water balances

Tools for identifying climate adaptation measures in urban areas

Abstract

Environmental assessment within urban development planning procedures or for approval procedures require not only an analysis of the effects of proposed measures, but also an evaluation of these effects. This requires quantitative or at least qualitative assessment criteria that can be used to evaluate potential improvements and avoidance measures and to compare alternatives. For environmental factors like climate, water, biodiversity or soil, the implementation of blue-green infrastructure, water resource management and urban green play an essential role in urban development, particularly with regard to climate change adaptation. For these factors and for climate adaptation strategies in urban environments, thermal mapping and urban water balances can provide important qualitative and quantitative arguments for nature-based solutions in urban development. Both instruments represent a practical approach to collecting location-specific data. This report from practice explains the technical approach as well as the possibilities and limitations of these expert assessments. There is need to objectively and transparently present the advantages and conflicts of blue-green infrastructure in the event of land-use conflicts. This is a key finding from climate change adaptation in urban areas with regard to reducing the risks posed by increasing heat and water scarcity. Such facts and presentations can be obtained from thermal mapping and water balances.