On the occasion of the continuing heat in large parts of Austria, the WWF calls for a “natural heat protection program” from the federal government. The main key points include an Austria-wide distas offensive, more greening in cities and preventive soil protection. “”Due to the climate crisis, heat waves are becoming more common and stronger. Therefore, the federal government must quickly ensure effective nature and soil protection. ‘Nature instead of concrete’ must now be the motto“, Says WWF floor protection spokesman Simon Pories. Specifically, the environmental protection organization suggests that the Federal Government is devoted to the“ transfer fee ”in order to support cities and municipalities in the refrigeration and renaturation. According to the WWF, a quick and consistent implementation of the EU Renaturungs regulations and a reform of spatial planning are also required. In general Get priority.
Soil protection as a question of crisis safety
As the current WWF floor report shows, eleven hectares of soil have been consumed on average of the past ten years every day, and about half of them were sealed. The more soil is concreted or paved, the greater the risk of extreme weather events. Heat waves therefore have a particularly strong effect in densely built -in cities. There are so -called “heat islands”, which can be up to nine degrees Celsius warmer than the surrounding area during the night. According to a study by the Geosphere Austria, conversion of a green area into an industrial area can also cause up to twelve summer days (days with at least 25 ° C) per year. At the same time, the conversion of a street into a green area can lead to a reduction of up to eight summer days. At the same time, so-called “green islands” can form important breeding and retreat locations for animal species and store water. “Land-laid out-in sealing creates a win-win-win situation for health, climate and biodiversity,” says Simon Pories from the WWF.
Federal government required
The federal government has great need for action: So far, so far effective measures and binding goals that have to be implemented together with the federal states are missing. The important biodiversity fund was severely shortened, while environmentally harmful subsidies are even expanded. “A natural heat protection program is a requirement of the hour. This should include in particular an upper limit for soil consumption, a breakdown offensive and the rapid implementation of renaturation projects,” says WWF expert Simon Pories. “Funny and cosmetic measures are not enough. Because the climate crisis will continue to tighten in the next few years,” warns Pories.
The current figures, examples and suggestions WWF-Bodenreport. Sample pictures for both sealing and greening in the city can be found here.
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