Mgr. Jana Bozáňová, PhD., Urban Ecologist, SUP MIB
During the meeting within the project “Climate-Resilient Bratislava – Pilot Projects Focused on Decarbonization, Energy Efficiency in Buildings, and Sustainable Stormwater Management in Urban Environments,” the focus was placed on the vulnerability of both cities, Bratislava and Reykjavík, in terms of mobility and public health in the context of ongoing climate change. The key challenges, solutions, and innovative approaches in developing green-blue infrastructure, which is a key adaptation-mitigation tool for climate-resilient cities, were presented.
For Bratislava, pilot results from the SECAP were presented by the project partner from the City of Reykjavík’s Department of Climate Change. On the other hand, during the meeting, we were introduced to Iceland’s climate adaptation policy, which focuses on carbon neutrality by 2040, and its local application in the city of Reykjavík.
The discussion identified common issues and causes that significantly contribute to the negative climate impacts in both cities. Challenges were identified, primarily related to expanding the city’s data capabilities to enhance the implementation of adaptation-mitigation measures in the area. This topic is closely tied to other shared goals that were part of the discussion, including the increased connectivity of vegetated areas in the city, as well as improving access to high-quality, microclimatically pleasant public spaces, and sustainable transportation infrastructure.
Specific Example of an Adaptation-Mitigation Measure
The water body, pond Tjörnin, is an example of the effective incorporation of green-blue infrastructure in the city, supporting urban biodiversity. It is home to over 40 different species of waterfowl and simultaneously represents a sustainable strategy for managing stormwater, with a large part of the pond being replenished by runoff from streets and homes in the adjacent Reykjavík city center. Currently, the center is being expanded with small vegetated areas along roads and sidewalks, with a system to overflow excess rainwater into pond Tjörnin. This decentralizes and strategically “lightens” the sewage system. Moreover, increasing the share of vegetation in the city center improves microclimatic conditions in the dense urban environment.