A huge thank you goes out to the speakers, Lisa Humer and Kira Urban, for their enlightening presentations on financing strategies for climate adaptation measures.
Lisa Humer: Austria’s KLAR! Program
Geographer and KLAR! network manager, Lisa Humer, provided a comprehensive overview of Austria’s KLAR! program (Climate Change Adaptation Model Regions for Austria). This program has been pivotal in aiding nearly 100 regions across Austria in climate adaptation through a bottom-up model since its inception in 2016. It has supported over 800 municipalities in developing and implementing local adaptation strategies, offering funding and expert support to ensure effective climate resilience measures.
The program provides essential funding for human resources, such as climate managers, and planning costs. Additionally, the invest program offers up to €40.000 for investment measures in heat and water management, addressing specific local needs not covered by other funding sources. Successful projects include training sniffer dogs for bark beetle detection, revitalizing water management systems, and mobilizing vacant properties to reduce soil sealing.
Key challenges highlighted include mainstreaming climate adaptation into all sectors and policies and ensuring sustained funding. The program underscores the importance of integrating climate adaptation into existing budgets and policies to foster a sustainable and resilient future.
Kira Urban: Friedrichshafen’s Climate Adaptation Concept
Climate adaptation manager Kira Urban introduced Friedrichshafen’s comprehensive climate adaptation concept, designed to prepare the city for the impacts of climate change. Supported by the National Climate Protection Initiative, this concept encompasses 69 measures across 10 fields of action, including health, urban planning, and public spaces.
The city has implemented a climate budget, allocating €100 per citizen, totaling over €6 million annually, to finance various adaptation initiatives. This funding supports projects like facade greening, street unsealing, and the “Häfler Zukunftsgrün” program, which assists citizens in implementing their own adaptation measures.
Notable projects include the greening of the Technical City Hall, redesigning public spaces like Adenauer Platz, and creating interconnected green spaces to improve urban microclimates. These efforts earned Friedrichshafen the European Climate Award, recognizing its leadership in climate adaptation.
Key challenges include ensuring sustained funding and engaging citizens and the private sector in adaptation efforts. The city emphasizes the importance of integrating climate adaptation into all aspects of urban planning and governance to create a sustainable and resilient future.
The dedication of Lisa Humer and Kira Urban, along with the innovative approaches of the KLAR! program and Friedrichshafen, serve as inspiring examples of how local initiatives can drive significant progress in climate resilience.