Damage to nature

Explanation of the problem

Heat can cause damage to urban greenery, such as shrubs, perennial plants, hedges, trees, and lawns. Urban agriculture, private gardens, and vegetable gardens can also suffer damage as a result. If heat is accompanied by drought, the damage to urban greenery can increase even more. The damage to greenery is not always irreversible, as lawns often recover with increasing rain, and older trees can usually withstand it. Plane trees and elms can also tolerate heat and drought fairly well, but birch trees may struggle more.

Trees could topple due to heat and drought, causing damage to pipes (both wastewater and drinking water). Dry and dead greenery also provides less cooling than healthy, juicy greenery. Additionally, surface water warms up during hot days, increasing the risk of botulism and blue-green algae, leading to a general disturbance of the ecosystem.

Negative consequences for animals include toads and fish living in ponds that (partially) dry up and insects that do not survive the drought. There is also an increased demand for the animal ambulance for the care and transportation of, for example, cats, weakened waterfowl due to botulism, and dehydrated animals (birds and hedgehogs).

The effects of heat and drought on nature primarily affect city residents, recreationists, water board managers, and municipal departments such as green management, incurring additional costs in both daily green management and major maintenance.

Information and maps for better understanding

Basic maps according to the standardized stress test

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