HSRR05: Heat stress in the city of Rotterdam
Heat stress seems to be a serious, but underestimated problem. The heat wave during the summer of 2003 for example caused 1.400 – 2.200 heat related deaths in The Netherlands. Rotterdam is aiming to adapt to climate change. Reducing the Urban Heat Island effect, heat stress and its consequences is a component of adapting to climate changes.
In this project the Urban Heat Island effect over Rotterdam will be predicted, measured and analysed to determine the magnitude, the causes and the mechanisms and frequency of occurrence in the present and in the future. Subsequently an estimation will be made of the implication of heat on energy consumption, thermal comfort and public health targeting the most risky areas in the city and vulnerable groups such as elderly, children, patients, etc. At last various options to reduce the Urban Heat Island effect, heat stress and its consequences will be regarded:
- behavioural measures (life style adaptation)
- solutions at building level (for example energy efficient design of building by means of building orientation, materials, construction, etc)
- solutions at city level (urban planning strategies: building densities, parks, ponds, canals, city green, etc)
The most relevant (no regret) options or strategies for the city of Rotterdam will be pointed out, including a recommendation concerning the implementation of the strategies in practice.