Generate REsiliENt actions agaiNst the HEat islAnd effect on uRban Territory (LIFE Green Heart)

In response to the changing climate, particularly the urban heat island (UHI) effect that amplifies increasingly frequent heat waves, the LIFE Green Heart projects aims to increase the resilience of the Toulouse Metropol. Specifically, the main objective of the project is to reduce the local temperature by 3C on average during heatwave events on an area of 30 hectares located on the Ile du Ramier in Toulouse, by counteracting the UHI effect. 

The project includes four operational objectives to address the causes and consequences of the UHI effect:

• Increasing green space surface area using adapted plants and planting methods
• Restoring biodiversity by consolidating green and blue infrastructure
• Reducing air and noise pollution by developing routes for soft modes of transport (e.g. bicycle lanes)
• Creating tools to support the development of long-term urban development policy, considering climate change adaptation

At the local level, the project aims to support implementing the Territorial Climate Energy Plan of Toulouse Metropole for 2018-2023. Furthermore, it aims to contribute to the EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change, the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 (COM(2011)244) and the Roadmap for a Resource Efficient Europe (COM(2011)571).