Protection and restoration of Posidonia oceanica meadows
Description In the case of beach/coastal erosion, an important „defence role“ is played by seagrasses. Seagrasses entrap the sediment, stabilize the seafloor and thus, prevent erosion of the coasts. When seagrasses trap the sediment, the bottom gets shallower, and the waves break further away from the shoreline, resulting in less coastal erosion during storms. Seagrasses also slow […]
Green spaces and corridors in urban areas
DESCRIPTION Green spaces in cities provide cooling through shading and enhanced evapotranspiration, thus reducing the urban heat island (UHI) effect that occurs due to the modification of land surfaces and generation of waste heat. Green corridors, i.e. long green spaces in the cities and river-valleys which flow among the cities, can change the micro climate […]
Measures to reduce urban runoff
Description Extreme precipitation events are the climatic drivers of urban runoff and urban flooding, and are expected to increase in the future due to climate change. Urban runoff does not only depend on the intensity of rainfall events but also on the degree of soil permeability. In the natural environments the meteoric waters are washed […]
Water sensitive urban and building design
Description Changing climate in the Adriatic region coupled with ever increasing coastal urbanization results in the increase of water related ecological issues. Urban areas are characterized by high levels of surface sealing in the form of buildings and other impermeable surfaces such as streets, sidewalks and parking lots. As water is unable to infiltrate the […]
Climate proofing of building codes
Photo by Scott Blake Description The building sector is challenged by a number of climate change impacts, including increase in temperature, higher frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events and sea level rise. Rising temperatures and extended heatwave periods can increase urban heat islands, internal and external thermal discomforts and the demand for energy […]
Adaptation of transport infrastructure and services
Description The transport sector is challenged by a number of climate change impacts, including temperature change, increasing extreme weather events and sea-level rise. Rising temperatures and extended heat-wave periods can increase rail buckling, pavement deterioration and thermal discomfort for passengers in vehicles. Weather extremes generating floods or landslides can lead to both short-term and long-term […]
Early warning systems
DESCRIPTION Early warning systems (EWS) are usually key elements of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, and aim to avoid or reduce the damages caused by hazards. To be effective, EWS need to actively involve the people and communities at risk from a range of hazards, facilitate public education and awareness of risks, disseminate […]
Protection, restoration and management of coastal wetlands
Description Coastal wetlands provide a natural defence against coastal flooding and storm surges primarily by dissipating wave energy. Salt marshes (i.e. coastal wetlands flooded and drained by tides) are the most effective natural coastal habitats to reduce wave heights, along with coral reefs (Seddon et al., 2020). By stabilizing shore sediments coastal wetlands also reduce […]
Dune construction and strengthening
Description Dune erosion results from wind and wave action. It is a natural phenomenon that can be worsened by human activities such as dune levelling to build urban settlements, parking-lots, promenades, etc. This contributes to the deficit of beach sediment needed to overcome periods of intense storms. In addition, eliminating dune vegetation or creating access […]
Marine Protected Areas and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures
DESCRIPTION IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, defines Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as areas of the ocean set aside for long-term conservation of nature, with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. The most protective marine reserves prohibit all access except for scientific research, but in many other cases human presence is allowed, including, […]