5. Climate change adaptation
Espoo minimises the harm and damage caused by climate change to residents, society and the environment.
Despite climate neutrality efforts, the climate is changing. As a result of the warming of our planet’s climate, local extreme weather phenomena are becoming stronger and more commonplace. In Espoo, particularly floods, heavy rains and extreme heat are threatening the functionality of society, the well-being of local residents and the environment, and the condition of buildings, infrastructure and property. In addition to this, climate change and human activities are changing living environments and reducing the natural biodiversity, which is further weakening Earth’s capacity to adapt to the changing climate. The survival and well-being of humans is also largely dependent on diversity of nature. This is why Espoo strives to adapt to the changing weather conditions, prepare for any damage caused by extreme weather phenomena and prevent the decline of natural biodiversity.
Preparations for more frequent floods resulting from heavy rainfall and increasing meltwater are made by means of urban runoff management, for example. Heat wave instructions and warning systems are used to help prevent damaged caused by extreme heat. Natural biodiversity is retained and increased by protecting, restoring and constructing green areas. The city is also increasing its communications on adaptation to climate change.
