Climate change adaptation
Even if all climate change mitigation measures are implemented immediately, global warming will still have an impact far into the future. Therefore, we must prepare and adapt to extreme weather phenomena, such as heatwaves and storms. The protection of biodiversity is also a key factor in adapting to climate change. Changes in, for example, the distribution of species and breeding times are already noticeable. The city plays a key role in implementing adaptation measures, but it is equally necessary for every resident to know how to prepare for exceptional situations.
Adapting to climate change refers to the means and ways that can be used to prepare for the effects of climate change and reduce the vulnerability of society and the environment to them. These effects include, for example, heat, heavy rains, drought, storms, floods and a decrease in environmental diversity. Adaptation measures reduce the damage caused by these changes and promote the functioning of people, society and the environment. Read more about the effects of climate change in the climate guide(external link, opens in a new window).
Mitigation of climate change, on the other hand, means actions that aim to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Espoo’s three biggest climate risks are floods, heavy rains and heat.
As a coastal city, the City of Espoo is exposed to floods, and changes in sea level must be taken into account in all planning and construction. In addition, Espoo is a city with abundant bodies of water with streams, rivers and lakes. Several rivers in Espoo have been straightened and channelled into pipes, which in turn increases the risk of flooding. Floods can be prevented, for example, by building flood embankments, naturalising riverbeds and implementing natural levee.
Heavy rains are closely linked to floods. The coastal climate increases rainfall and Espoo’s clay soil absorbs rainwater poorly. Particularly challenging areas are dense city centres and densely built residential areas with plenty of impenetrable surfaces. The water-permeable surface can be increased by implementing rainwater gardens, green roofs and leaving areas unpaved. Natural stormwater management by establishing wetlands and depressions creates space for water and habitats for wetland species.
Hot spells will intensify and become more frequent in the future. The heat especially affects the elderly, the sick and children. The old building stock in Espoo is also a predisposing factor to the heat, as buildings from the 70s, 80s or 90s do not have cooling or air conditioning systems. Buildings and the surrounding environment can be cooled and shaded by planting trees and increasing vegetation. Also, awnings can be fitted on the buildings to protect them from the scorching sun.
Changes in biodiversity are already noticeable, such as the earlier arrival and nesting of migratory birds and the decline of northern species. Biodiversity can be safeguarded by increasing green strips, which enable organisms to move to new areas. Establishing protected areas and increasing green areas in cities are also important actions.
The City of Espoo is part of the Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy network and the city has implemented a Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan in 2020 (SECAP).
The plan includes an evaluation of climate risks and vulnerabilities, as well as an adaptation action plan. The progress of the actions is reported every couple of years.
In 2018, a working group for adapting to climate change was established in Espoo, consisting of experts from various industries, and in 2019, a steering group for climate work led by the Mayor. In addition, the 2021 climate work expert network was launched in the Urban Environment Division, where information is exchanged and the development of joint measures is discussed. The City Planning Department has also formed a climate network to follow its own activities.
Espoo has been involved in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area’s climate change adaptation strategy and its monitoring since the strategy was established in 2017. In accordance with the strategy, the realised adaptation measures of the cities of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area have been collected in HSY’s annual monitoring report. From 2021, the Helsinki Metropolitan Area’s adaptation strategy will be replaced by the sustainable urban living programme.
In addition, Espoo’s adaptation activities are influenced by the national climate change adaptation strategy, the EU climate change adaptation strategy and the assessment report of the IPCC, i.e. the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
On the basis of national, local and its own programmes, Espoo has implemented its own action plan for coordinating and monitoring its climate change adaptation activities. The city monitors adaptation actions in four different sectors:
1. Natural diversity
2. Healthcare and safety (including rescue service)
3. Land use, infrastructure and housing (includes construction, transport and industrial facilities, water supply, floods and stormwater)
4. Regional cooperation
Actions and their progress can be followed via Espoo Climate Watch(external link, opens in a new window).
Since the climate is becoming more variable and extreme phenomena are increasing, emergency situations may also become more frequent.
Everyone can prepare for emergencies and accidents with simple means. Everyone should have a so-called home emergency supply kit(external link, opens in a new window) in their home. The home emergency supply kit means buying a little more food and other things that are necessarily needed on a daily basis.
A good home emergency supply kit is enough for a week and includes at least:
• Food and water
• Containers for storing water
• Medicines + iodine tablets
• Matches
• Hygiene supplies
• Radio and batteries
• Flashlight and batteries
A written plan, or the so-called emergency plan for self-preparedness, is required, for example, for residential buildings with at least five residential apartments.
In winter, the rain comes more often as water and the temperature hovers around zero degrees, which increases the number of slipping accidents. Fractures, sprains and twists are a growing risk, especially among residents with poor mobility, and burden both healthcare and often employers as well. You can prepare for slipperiness with, for example, studded shoes and walking aids, and by ensuring that your own yard is adequately sanded.
Increasing hot spells in the summer challenges the health of risk groups, such as the elderly and those with long-term illnesses. When it is hot, you should drink plenty of water, keep the windows and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day, and ventilate only in the evening.
Several pests and ticks favour the warm weather and it also increases blue-green algae in water bodies. You should protect yourself from ticks with long-sleeved clothes and take tick vaccines if necessary. It is good to learn to identify blue-green algae.
Prepare for floods and heavy rains by familiarizing yourself with flood guidelines. Ensure adequate drainage of the house and other structures and keep gutters, eaves, etc. clean of debris.
Information about disruptions in water distribution can be found on HSY website: www.hsy.fi/en/water-and-sewers/water-supply-cuts-and-disturbances-in-water-supply/(external link, opens in a new window)