Water efficient systemic concept for the climate change adaptation in urban areas (LIFE WATERCOOL)

The climate in the region of Andalusia, in southern Spain, is characterised by hot, dry summers with heat wave events. Most climate models predict these events will increase. For instance, in the city of Seville (capital of Andalusia and the largest city in southern Spain) an increase in the average temperature of 4.5°C is expected and a reduction in rain of 20% by the year 2100. This will put more pressure on water resources, which are critical for life, the environment and society. Given this, urban planners need innovative tools that allow them to respond to the new climatic challenges and requirements, adapting to the impacts of climate change.

The WATERCOOL project aims to develop and test innovative solutions to cope with high temperatures, both outdoors and indoors, and with temporarily high water run-off as well as drought situations in an urban environment subject to climate change. The urban water network will act as the basic structure for the development of urban green solutions and cooling measures to adapt to the effects of climate change, maximising the sustainability of the city and citizens well-being.

WATERCOOL's specific objectives include:

• developing a grid-based water management system to soften the impact of water-related extreme effects linked to climate change;
• improving the urban climate in the demo area (decreasing the temperature by 3-5°C and generating 28°C cold air) by implementing climate change adaptation measures in urban spaces;
• developing new tools for collaborative management by public and private bodies;
• engaging new cities and citizens in replication to increase the level of commitment and participation in sustainable management of resources; and
• creating a framework integrating all stakeholders so that problems can be solved actively and collaboratively.