As part of the GreenDense project our pilot Partner Bremen carried out a comprehensive climate adaptation study for its pilot area of Kattenturm. Kattenturm is a socioeconomically-disadvantaged neighbourhood in the southeast of Bremen with approximately 36.000 inhabitants. According to the climate analysis for Bremen (future scenario RCP 4.5), several areas in Kattenturm will be affected by extreme heat stress (> 41°C PET, thermal sensation: very hot) during the day in 2050. One influencing factor here is the high level of sealed pavement with limited tree canopy cover in central neighbourhood areas.
The climate adaptation potential study for Kattenturm was developed in close collaboration with a wide range of local stakeholders and participation from citizens and two local schools, ensuring that the proposed measures reflect the needs and visions of the community. The result is a set of nine targeted actions designed to enhance the area’s resilience to climate change while improving the quality of life for residents.
Key initiatives focus on the greening of urban spaces, including plazas, playgrounds, schoolyards, and streets, which help to mitigate urban heat and increase biodiversity. In addition to expanding green infrastructure, the project aims to improve existing local recreational areas, making them more attractive and accessible for all age groups. Another important aspect is the revitalisation of a nearby water channel, transforming it into a visible and interactive feature that contributes to climate adaptation and community well-being.
Together, these measures create a more sustainable and climate-resilient neighbourhood that promotes environmental health, social cohesion, and a vibrant urban lifestyle. The GreenDense project in Kattenturm serves as a model for integrating climate adaptation into urban planning through participatory, community-driven approaches.
As part of next phase for the project in Kattenturm, the detailed planning to carry out some of the developed measures hast started already: a focus is on the climate-resilient development of a central local playground. The area is surrounded by urban green, but the playground itself has not enough trees to give sufficient cool areas during summer and is therefore often not used during hot days. Furthermore, it is planned to install a drinking water fountain at the entrance of the playground.