Climate change meets Vienna: Social justice as a key to resilience

Climate change meets Vienna: Social justice as a key to resilience

Wien, Österreich - climate change is a comprehensive challenge that includes ecological, technical and social dimensions. As a current study by the BOKU shows, vulnerable groups, such as low -income households and older people, are particularly affected by the consequences of climate change. The serious effects include urban heat islands and extreme weather events that occur in urban areas.

Michael Frieseneck from the BOKU Institute for Landscape Planning indicates that greening measures in districts, although they can ensure more quality of life, could lead to the repression of vulnerable groups if social aspects are not taken into account. The study that was created as part of the Sensus research project examines exactly these interactions between social inequality, housing market structures and climate change adjustment in Vienna. The projections for the development of vulnerable population groups are based on socio -economic scenarios and show that a scenario of geopolitical isolation could increase social inequalities.

social justice as a key

A central aspect of the study is the urgent need to bring climate protection measures and social justice into the focus of the political agenda at the same time. The greening of urban areas can increase the risk of displacement, especially in unregulated rental markets. The researchers found that the proportion of social housing projects can reduce the risk of gentrification; Each additional percentage reduces the risk by four to five percent. Therefore, the linking of climate change adaptation and social justice is crucial for the resilience of society.

As part of the research project “Urban Heat Equality”, which is promoted by climate and energy funds, the increasing heat stress in Vienna is examined, whereby natural-based solutions such as parks and facade greening are also in focus. Social inequality and climate justice are included in the decision -making processes. Relevant aspects include the vulnerability of the affected groups in dealing with urban heat and taking their interests into account when planning. The goal is a resilient city of Vienna with a fair climate change adjustment.

methods and results

The project, which is carried out by the University of Natural Resources and Technical University of Vienna, includes a variety of methods, including interviews and focus groups with heat -made and participatory planning exercises. These approaches are intended to ensure that the needs of the vulnerable groups are integrated into the solutions. The results finally flow into target group -specific policy letters and can contribute to the practical implementation of climate protection measures in the city.

The results of the study underline that climate protection and reduction in social inequalities must be addressed together so that a fair and livable city can be created. The course of the project, which extends until February 2025, shows the commitment of the University of Natural Resources Affairs Vienna, the Technical University of Vienna and the support of the climate and energy fund to address the pressing challenges of climate change.

For a deeper insight into the results and approaches of this study, interested parties can be published under urban Heat and ut heses view.