The special exhibition 'Cool down Aargau' at Naturama Aargau concludes on September 6. Since its opening in autumn 24 until the summer holidays 26, over 55,000 people have visited the museum. 'How do we adapt to the climate?' - this was the central question of the special exhibition, and it remains relevant. Therefore, the 'Cool down Aargau' space now becomes part of the permanent exhibition. It demonstrates how urban and rural structures in Aargau can be cooled through the development of blue-green infrastructures: greening and permeabilizing settlements, integrating nighttime cool air flows into urban planning, and redesigning squares and streets based on the sponge city principle. The drought affecting Aargau's agriculture is also addressed. Using vegetable producers from the Bünztal as an example, the direct impact of drought on our plates is illustrated. The latest Aargau climate maps can also be projected onto the large relief at the center of the museum from September. Moreover, a positive vision for a livable future endures: the image of a 'cool' city in 2050 that has achieved the Paris climate target of 'Net Zero'.
Cool ideas from school classes:
Since 2024, the educational project 'School for Climate', initiated as part of the climate development focus of the Department of Construction, Transport and Environment, has been running. Students develop climate adaptation projects for their community or school building. The starting point is real experiences: What can be done when it gets over 30 degrees in the classroom, or when there is no shade on the playground? A central element of this project is the engagement and contact with political decision-makers in the school community. More classes are welcome. The project continues until the end of 2027.
Practical projects in communities:
What does practical climate adaptation look like in communities? Where does it become unbearably hot? Do we know the 'hotspots' and 'coolspots' within our community territory? On behalf of the Department of Construction, Transport and Environment and the Aargau Climate Department, Naturama Aargau offers on-site courses, advice, and climate walks.
After the summer holidays, Naturama Aargau conducts climate walks in Sins and Buchs to raise awareness among their populations and initiate heat protection projects. Regarding areas to be permeabilized, communities and private real estate firms can find professional and financial support in the 'Asphaltcrackers' project.
Naturama Aargau also considers those most affected by heatwaves and tropical nights, namely the elderly and young people. In the 'Shade for Children and Climate' project, Naturama Aargau collaborates with the Swiss Cancer League. The communities receive sensitisation and professional support when aiming to install the best climate systems, namely by planting trees and greening surfaces on streets, roofs, and facades.
Initial advice and sensitisation for community authorities are provided by the Climate Advisory Office of Naturama Aargau, which began its work a year ago. The work is expected to continue as the historic heatwave of 2026 threatens to become the new norm.
Conference 'Climate: When school and community act together':
On September 2, 2026, teachers, education specialists, and community politicians will reflect on their experiences, success factors, and the added value of joint climate projects. The impact possibilities at the local level and with extracurricular actors are real and inspiring for students. The practical knowledge shared in workshops enables participants to immediately take action in their community. There are still available places. More information and registration at: www.naturama.ch/26-072.
Information on the conference and school climate learning projects is provided by the Head of Education, Milena Conzetti: 062 832 72 37.
Information on climate projects in communities and the Climate Advisory Office at Naturama Aargau is provided by the Head of Nature Promotion, Christiane Guyer: 062 832 72 42.
Further information online:
Climate in the Museum: www.naturama.ch/cool
Climate adaptation projects: www.naturama.ch/klimaanpassung
School for Climate project: www.naturama.ch/schulefuersklima
Contact:
Naturama Aargau
Mike Denz
Marketing and Communication Specialist
Feerstrasse 17
5000 Aarau
062 832 72 75
kommunikation@naturama.ch