Swiss cities are facing significant challenges due to climate change: Heat events—like the one we are currently experiencing—will become more frequent and more intense in the future. Additionally, heavy rainfall is increasing. Cities and agglomerations are particularly affected due to many sealed surfaces and restricted air circulation. The consequences range from health hazards and economic losses to social tensions, as some population groups are especially affected. Cities are therefore taking measures locally to cushion the negative effects of climate change. The position paper "Successful Climate Adaptation Policy - How to Achieve a Climate-Adapted City?" highlights how cities can protect their populations from heat, heavy rainfall, and other consequences of climate change, and what frameworks they need for this.
For cities to mitigate the negative effects of climate change, they need more scope for municipal regulations on greening, unsealing, and sustainable urban development. They also demand improved data bases and reliable financial support from the federal government and cantons.
To master these complex challenges, interdisciplinary expertise and robust foundations are also needed. Cities therefore demand sufficient data and the harmonisation of climate maps and measurement networks, nationally coordinated heat action plans, as well as the adjustment of standards and targeted promotion of research.
Cities emphasise that climate adaptation is both a necessity and an opportunity: Measures to reduce heat and heavy rain improve the quality of stay, promote biodiversity, and strengthen the economic attractiveness of cities. It is central to consider social inequalities and involve all population groups.