International local government news 06.08.24

Here are the latest newsworthy and interesting stories from the local government sector that caught our attention. In this round-up of what’s happening right now in the world of local government, you’ll find best practices, inspiration, and more from across the sector.

GERMANY: Frankfurt using local wind currents for urban cooling
Frankfurt is one of Germany’s warmest cities, frequently reaching above 30C each year. Few buildings have air conditioning, and high development density means neighbourhoods often absorb more daytime heat. To help tackle this, a few years ago urban planners, scientists and architects partnered to create a climate atlas, mapping both Frankfurt’s hottest areas and the wind corridors that could cool them. Now, planners are capturing and channeling strong breezes through building design in new developments, to help keep streets liveable and cool. 
Bloomberg

GERMANY: Air pollution map launched in Berlin
Berlin has launched an online map that provides air pollution forecasts for every street in the city. The “Digital City Traffic Platform” shows nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter levels based on weather forecasts and local measurement data. The platform is updated twice daily, with hourly forecasts for a specific street for the next four days generated as hourly values. The EU has set limits for nitrogen dioxide along main traffic routes, and the map helps identify areas that exceed these limits. The platform is particularly targeted at walkers, runners and cyclists.
The Mayor

POLAND: 14 largest cities to get “social forests”
14 of Poland’s largest cities will benefit from a new reforestation effort, in which easy-to-access greenery will be on offer to more than a third of citizens. These “social forests” will be developed around cities including Warsaw, Krakow, and Poznan; green rings that aim to foster a sense of community among visitors. At the same time, these forests are hoped to improve biodiversity and offer climate resilience.
The Mayor

GERMANY: Robot helps city maintain its cemetery
The City of Regensburg is employing an autonomous, wheeled robot to maintain and water one of its cemeteries. The “Rainos” robot was chosen after the local gardening company the city employs struggled to find people to water the cemetery at night or early in the morning. Rainos can hold 200 litres of water and automatically returns to a station to refill when empty. It also only runs at night, where mourners aren’t visiting and the soil stays most hydrated. 
The Mayor

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