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BDTI building synergies with URBREATH

Transformative collaborations

Published on: 30/09/2024 News

Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and biodiversity loss paint a stark picture of our planet's climate crisis. In fact, Europe's land temperatures are rising significantly faster than the global average, leading to heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires. In addition, rather frequent and intense flooding, storms, and weather-related disasters pose a risk to lives and infrastructure, and not only in coastal regions. Last but not least, shifting weather affects water availability, creating challenges for agriculture, human consumption, and industry. Climate crises threaten our future, and cities worldwide stand at the frontline. As significant contributors to carbon emissions, urban areas not only fuel climate change but also bear the brunt of its dire consequences. 

Enter URBREATH, a groundbreaking initiative co-funded by the European Union, poised to revolutionise our urban landscapes. This project is not just about adapting to climate change; it's about transforming our cities from the ground up, making them not only sustainable but resilient against the ever-growing threats of a warming world. URBREATH is about reimagining urban living, where concrete jungles give way to lush green havens. By weaving nature into the fabric of our cities, from expansive green roofs to vibrant urban forests and thriving wetlands, we aim to combat the urban heat island effect, mitigate flood risks, and purify our air. But URBREATH goes beyond just planting trees and creating green spaces. It's a synergistic blend of nature's wisdom and cutting-edge technology. 

Through the engagement of local communities, the utilisation of Local Digital Twins, and the application of AI technologies, URBREATH is setting the stage for a new era of urban planning. A collaborative effort involving leading researchers, urban planners, policymakers, and tech innovators, this project seeks to harness the full potential of nature-based solutions (NBS) across diverse climate zones, each facing unique climate challenges. By doing so, URBREATH not only aims to make our cities more livable and inclusive but also sets a blueprint for how urban areas can be at the heart of combating climate change, turning our greatest vulnerability into our strongest defence.

Learn more about URBREATH.