Würzburg's hot marketplace: New green solutions against the heat!

Würzburg's hot marketplace: New green solutions against the heat!

Würzburg fights against the heat: on hot days the market square becomes an unpleasant place. Thanks to the so-called “heat island effect”, temperatures there are up to eight degrees higher than in the surrounding area on sunny days. This means that many customers avoid the Würzburg weekly market and the sellers suffer from the heat. Jürgen Eppel from the Institute for Urban Greenery observes that planting trees on the market square is challenging - an underground car park and events make it difficult to implement sustainable greening. BR.de reports that the city now plans to introduce “mobile greenery” in planters in order to increase the quality of stay.

However, the problem of heat in cities is not just local. According to a 2020 study, an estimated 20,000 people over the age of 65 in Germany succumbed to heat-related complications in 2018. This highlights the urgent need to minimize the risk of heat as heat waves become increasingly common. Cities like Würzburg, Mannheim and Frankfurt are particularly struggling with this problem. Interactive.br.de shows that persistent tropical nights with temperatures above 20 °C place a heavy burden on the health of the population.

Innovative approaches to combat the heat

To address the marketplace problem, Eppel suggests a vegetated canopy that could not only provide shade but also beautify the cityscape. According to his findings, traditional tree species such as chestnuts and summer linden trees are not suitable for the future. Instead, tree species from Asia Minor or southeastern Europe should be considered. He also recommends creating small surface canals to retain water in the city center.

Würzburg has already taken some measures. The establishment of a staff office for climate and sustainability, which is headed, among others, by climate protection manager Markus Leisegang, shows the city's commitment. Leisegang's task is to raise public awareness of the issue of climate protection and the problem of heat and also to promote greening measures for private individuals. This is part of a “heat action plan” launched in 2023. Six historic drinking fountains in the city center have been put back into operation to keep people cool.

The Federal Environment Agency emphasizes the importance of trees in urban areas for heat protection. According to a recently published study, shade trees are capable of evaporating up to 100,000 liters of water per year, which can help reduce city temperatures. Umweltbundesamt.de demands that the need for more trees and shade in inner cities is taken seriously and highlights the positive effects of shading elements and green roofs.

In summary, it can be said that Würzburg is taking an active path to better meet the challenges of climate change and urban heat in the future. With a rethink in urban planning, innovative solutions and an engaged population, the market square could soon become a popular place for locals and tourists again.