GreenGEO - Data-based integration of climate change adaptation measures into spatial planning

Green and blue infrastructure (GBI) is a key instrument in the fight against climate change. Nevertheless, deciding where and in what form it should be used most effectively remains a challenge in spatial planning practice. The development of a digital model that links location-specific climate risk data with suitable GBI measure proposals will make this much easier and more objective.

Short Description

Starting point / motivation

Over the last ten years, green and blue infrastructure (GBI) in cities has evolved from a leisure and recreational function to a key lever in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. International, national and local strategies emphasise the need to integrate GBI more strongly into municipal planning.

Despite the rapidly increasing amount of available geo-referenced data on climate risks, decision-making in administration and planning remains difficult. This is due to a lack of standardised indicators, uncertainties about the effects of GBI and the lack of clear framework plans for risk minimisation.

A data-supported, evidence-based approach, as envisaged in this project, could considerably facilitate and accelerate the implementation of local and regional climate protection and adaptation measures.

Contents and goals

To date, local planning practice has lacked a spatial approach that not only provides low-threshold information on climate-related hazards, but also offers concrete, scientifically sound proposals for green and blue infrastructure measures, based on an up-to-date empirical data model.

The aim of the project is to close this gap by developing a digital, data-based model that links locally existing climate risks with suitable, concrete GBI measure proposals. This should reduce uncertainties in planning and accelerate the implementation of local climate adaptation measures.

In addition, previously unresolved questions on quantifying the effects of GBI measures will be supplemented by empirical data and broad consensus solutions among cities, municipalities and spatial planners in an innovative approach.

Methods

The methodology includes researching and analysing available georeferenced terrestrial and satellite data on climate risks and existing green and blue elements, creating climate topography and climate function maps and identifying local climate risk zones.

Based on this data, a decision model is developed that proposes suitable GBI measures for specific risk zones. The measures are evaluated in a matrix according to their effectiveness, complexity of implementation and other parameters and assigned to specific spatial planning instruments.

Finally, the fields of action and measures are visualised on a WebGIS platform. In addition, stakeholder perspectives are incorporated through workshops and test runs.

Expected results

The project aims to provide proof of concept for a WebGIS-based visualisation tool that supports local planning authorities and decision-makers in the selection of suitable GBI measures. This tool is intended to provide geodata- and evidence-based suggestions for implementing climate adaptation measures at municipal level in a faster and more targeted manner.

In addition, the project is expected to provide valuable insights into climate risk-relevant geodata and combined decision-making models, which will provide the decision-makers involved with an important information leap in the field of climate change adaptation.

Project Partners

Project management

AEE – Institut für Nachhaltige Technologien

Project or cooperation partners

B-NK GmbH
RaumRadar ZT GmbH
Universität Graz, Institut für Geographie und Raumforschung

Contact Address

DI Dr.med. Martina Majcen
Feldgasse 19
A-8200 Gleisdorf

Tel.: +43 (3112) 5886-370
E-mail: m.majcen@aee.at
Web: www.aee-intec.at