In view of increasing heatwaves attributable to climate change, the Department for Climate and Environmental Protection of the City of Munich has developed a detailed urban climate analysis. This analysis, adopted by the City Council in its plenary session on 29 July, summarises relevant information on the city's climatic situation and provides guidance for dealing with the challenges posed by climate change and urban growth. The insights gained are intended to form a crucial data basis for future urban development planning, in order to preserve Munich as a climate-resilient and liveable metropolis.
The urgency of action was emphasised by Mayor Mona Fuchs, who pointed out that climate change is already noticeable in Munich. She highlighted that this year, up to July, 25 hot days with temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius or more had already been recorded, whereas the average between 1960 and 1990 was only three to five such days for the entire year. A measurement of 37.6 degrees Celsius in June marked a new record high for Munich. This development represents a burden on public health. To maintain quality of life in the long term, increased greening and improved ventilation of the city are essential. The strategy 'Climate-Resilient Munich 2050', initiated last year, pursues concrete goals and measures, including the '3-30-300 Vision', which provides that every person can see at least three trees from their home, public spaces are 30 per cent shaded by trees, and green spaces are accessible within 300 metres.
Tool for Targeted Climate Adaptation
Christine Kugler, Head of the Department for Climate and Environmental Protection, described the urban climate analysis as an instrument that enables sustainable and targeted preparation for the consequences of climate change. The analysis identifies areas where action is needed and shows ways to improve the quality of stay in the city through targeted measures. A particular focus is on Munich's natural air conditioning system – the Alpine Pump, a wind system that transports cooled mountain air to Munich at night, thus providing necessary cooling. The planning guidance map, as the core of the analysis, illustrates which areas are particularly worthy of protection in this context and how their potential can be optimally utilised.
Foundations and Scenarios of the Analysis
The urban climate analysis visualises the summer temperature situation and the urban cold air balance throughout the city area. It describes a typical hot day in Munich, characterised by high solar radiation and low air exchange, which can lead to significant heat stress. The effects of this heat stress on the well-being of the population are quantified using the felt temperature ('Physiological Equivalent Temperature', PET). Both daytime and nighttime situations are taken into account, as these have different effects on people; at night, sleeping comfort in buildings is particularly relevant, during the day the quality of stay and the felt temperature.
The analysis also simulates various scenarios that depict the current and future climate situation as well as changes in land use:
- —Status quo: The current climate shows significant differences between densely built-up inner-city areas and green quarters.
- —Strong climate change: An expected temperature increase of about 3 degrees Celsius would lead to a significant increase in heat stress, especially during the night hours.
- —'Green City': An increase in green spaces and tree canopy shading of 30 per cent can noticeably lower temperatures and improve the quality of stay.
The planning guidance map summarises the results of these scenarios and clearly shows at a glance where there is a high need for action, for example, through the preservation of sensitive areas or the priority implementation of climate adaptation measures in specific areas of Munich.
