Climate-Change Sensitive Residential Areas and Their Adaptation Capacities by Urban Green Changes: Case Study of Linz, Austria

Abstract

As summer air temperatures continue to increase, urban areas will be most affected since urban building structures and materials intensify the heat island effect. The number of people who will be affected by increasing temperatures will rise, especially those in the heat-sensitive group of elderly people. Urban planning departments have to develop adaptation strategies in order to limit negative effects of climate change on their citizens. Due to their climatic ecosystem services, urban green areas can play an important role in this process. Since the effects of climate change can vary in different urban areas, a study was conducted focusing on identification of residential areas most affected by climate change according to surface cover structure and demographic characteristics in the City of Linz, Austria by using satellite images and demographic data. Residential areas with low vegetation cover and a high number of risk group members are identified as “climate-change sensitive residential areas (CCSRA).” About half of the residential areas of Linz and nearly two thirds of the population of Linz live in these areas. With selected representatives of these CCSRAs, the greening potential was identified and climate adaptive strategies developed. A survey carried out in selected CCSRAs showed a high appreciation for urban green areas (83.3 to 86.7 percent) by the inhabitants but a very low trust (35.0 to 56.7 percent) in their ability to contribute to the reduction of thermal load. Most residents would support an increase of different types of urban greenery in their residential areas (e.g., 76.7 to 91.7 percent would support an increase in lawns); at the same time, there is a high rejection of unsealing measures (e.g., 38.9 to 57.5 percent reject a lower number of parking lots). Greening measures, which would not require a change of surface structures such as façade greening, are the least accepted greening measures (38.9 to 57.5 percent reject this possibility). In the opinion of most inhabitants, residents should decide on the green structure of their residential areas (69.4 and 76.7 percent), while only a minority would approve of the involvement of urban planners (40.0 to 43.3 percent) or experts and scientists (16.7 to 30.0 percent) in this process. The results show an informational and educational deficit on the subject of climate change impact at a local level. The greening potential in CCSRAs is still not sufficiently valued by decision-makers and inhabitants, and adaptation strategies in the urban development of the areas are lacking.