Vienna fights against tropical heat: new chillers for rescue!
The first tropical nights have already arrived in Vienna - with temperatures over 20 degrees, the summer of 2025 shows what is coming at the first heat test. This development makes it clear that the city cannot stand by. In the previous year, 53 tropical nights were even recorded in downtown Vienna, which is a record. For this reason, Vienna has announced energy to invest around 90 million euros in the expansion of the highly efficient remote -fitting system in the next five years in order to react to the increasing temperatures. today reports that the old cold machines in the distance cooling center on the Schottenring have already been replaced by new specimens. The performance is increased by 1.9 megawatts to a total of 20 megawatts. In addition, a new remote cold center with 6 megawatts was inaugurated in Siemensstrasse in Floridsdorf.
But that's just the beginning. At the MedUni Campus, another cold center is currently being built with an innovative ice storage facility that is scheduled to start operating this summer. These developments are particularly important because the remote cold not only contributes to cooling the buildings, but also over 50 percent fewer CO₂ emissions causes compared to conventional air conditioning systems. Around 200 buildings are already connected to the 30 -kilometer long -distance cold network, which means a total output of 230 megawatts. These measures are not only a practical answer to the heat, but also a step towards climate protection.
The heat island effect
But the cooling of interiors is just one side of the medal. The urban hot islands are another challenge. According to an analysis by National Geographic sealed surfaces and the absence of sufficient green areas. Old street trees could play an important role here. Dirk Messner from the UBA emphasizes how important the protection of old trees is. They not only donate shadows, but also take up CO₂ and thus improve air quality.
older trees are particularly worth protecting. Studies, including from the research project city trees in climate change (SIK) at the University of Hamburg, show that trees from the age of 40 are better able to deal with diseases, pests and extreme weather conditions. Unfortunately, many street trees in cities only reach a fraction of their natural lifespan, often because of the adverse conditions under which they have to grow. Sealed soils and the proximity to traffic and exhaust gases are very concerned. Innovative concepts are required to give the trees back the necessary vitality and thus to maintain them as a green air filter in the city.
outlook for the summer
Summer in Vienna will not only be a test for the cooling systems, but also for the ecological awareness of the city dwellers. Under the pressure of rising temperatures and the associated demand for cooling, it is clear: Vienna has to rethink and act. With the newly established refrigeration center locations and a strong focus on the protection of urban nature, it is important to tackle the challenges of climate change in order to keep the habitat for all Viennese. After all, summer 2025 should also offer a pleasant climate for everyone - inside and outside.
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| Ort | Floridsdorf, Wien, Österreich |
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