Bludenz against the heat waves: Secure green space for quality of life!

Bludenz against the heat waves: Secure green space for quality of life!

Summers are getting hotter, and heat waves can quickly become stressful for the population, especially in urban areas. In Bludenz, this challenge is met with a clear strategy. The city is taking into account the increasing thermal load and is relying on greening to increase the quality of life in the city. City councilor Martina Brandstetter points out that urban heat islands are created, especially by built-up terrain and little green space, which increase thermal stress in the summer months. While temperatures in shaded areas are often between 30 and 35 °C, asphalt and concrete heat up to over 60 °C when exposed to direct sunlight.

A green city is not only more beautiful, but also healthier. The extreme temperature difference between shaded and unprotected areas has serious consequences for people's health, especially for children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups. To counteract this, the city of Bludenz is pursuing the goal of creating a climate-friendly public space for all generations. City Councilor Brandstetter emphasizes the need to make the city resilient to future heat waves and points to the positive effects of urban greening.

Green spaces create quality of life

A central aspect of urban planning in Bludenz is the creation of green spaces that can reduce ambient temperatures. A single tree has the potential to lower air temperatures by up to 5°C, which can provide significant relief during the hot summer months. In addition to trees, water systems such as the fountains in the city also help to cool down the area. Therefore, the redesign of Sparkassenplatz and Untersteinstrasse is also being implemented with the aim of planting more trees and creating shady areas in order to increase the quality of stay for citizens.

The reaction to the heat stress is already noticeable. In new building projects, such as at the Mitte elementary school, attention is now paid to climate-adapted planting. The city not only wants to reduce temperatures, but also improve air quality, promote biodiversity and increase the well-being of its residents. There are already shady places in the city: the Plettenberg Park, the park of the Mitte elementary school, the castle garden and numerous seating areas along the riparian forests along the Alfenz invite you to relax even when the temperatures are high.

A green city doesn't just benefit people; it is also a habitat for many plants and animals. The greening measures are therefore a step in the right direction to sustainably improve the quality of life in Bludenz. With well-thought-out projects and a clear goal, the city is creating space for a pleasant and healthy future.