DFG Research Unit 1736
Urban Climate and Heat Stress in mid-latitude cities in view of climate change (UCaHS)
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- DFG Research Unit UCaHS
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- ©TU Berlin
The DFG Research Unit UCaHS ended in December 2016. UCaHS addressed the complex scientific questions
related to heat stress in mid-latitude cities by a multi- and interdisciplinary approach involving
climatologists, urban geographers and hydrologists, physicians, architects, physicists and engineers,
urban planners and social scientists.
The causal chains spanning from climate modifications by urban regions to out- and indoor heat
stress hazards were analysed in detail for the example of Berlin. Heat-stress risks were studied
by available observational data, in particular for specifically vulnerable groups of senior people
or patients in hospitals.
In contrast to other mid-latitude cities in sub-tropical climates, air conditioning of buildings
is not yet common in Berlin, such that heat-stress risks are still closely coupled to urban weather
and climate. Demographic and economic developments, combined with changing urban climates, may,
however, result in more installations of air-conditioning systems if no other options for reducing
heat-stress hazards would become available at feasible costs. Actions for reducing heat-stress
risks in mid-latitude cities were studied with respect to their effectiveness in reducing the risks,
either by reducing the hazard or the vulnerability. UCaHS analysed side effects determining the
efficiency of the respective actions. In particular, actions for modifying building designs and
technologies including building green, and for modifying urban patterns including open spaces and
urban green were studied. We have thus been able to identify those actions creating synergies
between adaptation to and mitigation of climate change, or generate co-benefits in other societal
fields. Implementation of actions requires in-depth knowledge of constellations, particularly of
actors, influencing urban development. Without considering these constellations implementation
of actions may not be possible even when the actions themselves would be effective and efficient.
Project members:
* associated member
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