Maps for a good climate: climate function and planning information maps as a basis for planning the urban climate

Climate change is also affecting us here in Offenbach am Main. The fact that the city needs to prepare itself was already the basis of the findings of the climate adaptation concept from 2017.

The bioclimatic quality of stay and the supply of fresh air in our city is becoming increasingly important in order to reduce negative health effects for residents.

The climate function maps for Offenbach am Main have been updated to include the rapid structural development and thus provide a better data basis. From a city-wide perspective, they show polluted urban areas and compensation areas.

The number of hot days with maximum temperatures of over 30 degrees and so-called tropical nights, when the temperature does not fall below 20 degrees, will increase. Among other things, the climate function maps identify the heat islands in the urban area and show where there is a particular need for action. Many factors contribute to the formation of a heat island, such as the proportion of sealed surfaces or the possibility of fresh air flowing into a sub-area.

The data basis for the climate maps included current land use, surface temperatures, cold air formations and flows at the time of creation.

The main components of the climate function maps are so-called "climatopes". These show urban sub-areas that have a similar microclimate.

In addition to a current climate function map, which depicts the situation in 2021, a future scenario was also calculated. For this future scenario, urban development areas and a global temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius (+2 C° or +2 Kelvin) due to climate change were included as of April 2021.

It is important to note that the climate function maps depict "worst-case scenarios". This means that a particularly hot summer day with little wind and clouds is shown. The maps therefore do not show an average summer day.

In addition to climate function maps, the city also has planning information maps. These also depict a city-wide perspective and provide general planning information for sub-areas of the city in order to improve the urban climate in the sub-areas through urban planning.

The planning information maps are further developments of the climate function maps and, in addition to climatic statements, also take socio-demographic data into account and are based on the KLIMPRAX urban climate project of the Hessian State Office for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology. For example, data on vulnerable groups of people, i.e. those particularly affected by the effects of climate change, were included. This includes, in particular, where people over 75 years of age, under 6 years of age or with a lower income live or where social infrastructures (daycare centers, retirement homes, hospitals, etc.) are located in Offenbach. By intersecting this data, so-called "sensitive" areas can be identified where there is a particular need for action because the climatic situation is worse compared to other areas in Offenbach and vulnerable groups live or spend time there.

The planning information maps provide a cross-sectional information basis for planning.

The necessary measures have already been developed in the Climate Concept 2035 and some are being implemented, such as the heat action plan and the heavy rain hazard maps. Now it's a matter of implementation, which is a joint task for the city, its affiliated companies and the population, social and economic enterprises and all stakeholders.

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Climate change is particularly noticeable due to increased heatwaves and heavy rainfall events. You can find out more about adapting to these consequences on the following pages in order to be individually prepared and minimize damage.