How can cities prepare for extreme weather events?

Cities are particularly hard hit by the effects of climate change — Germany included. Extreme weather events cause immense material damage and pose serious health risks to the population. Adaptation measures are therefore needed at the municipal level. The research project ExTrass aims to better prepare large and medium-sized German cities against heat and heavy rainfall. To this end, it analyses the factors that hinder or support urban climate adaptation and identifies successful measures. A key focus of the project's work takes place in three case-study cities — Potsdam, Remscheid and Würzburg. Here, among other things, greening measures are being tested, climate-adapted urban planning is being pursued, urban climate data is being expanded, the public is being made aware of risks through communication, and emergency plans are being improved. The project also creates opportunities for exchange, so that cities can learn better from one another. Three portrait films present the measures taken in each of the case-study cities. A concluding film brings the three short films together into a single, coherent cinematic narrative, highlighting the different adaptation strategies, approaches and methods involved.