Nordhorn implements comprehensive climate adaptation strategy – focus on greening, heavy rain and heat

Nordhorn implements comprehensive climate adaptation strategy – focus on greening, heavy rain and heat

In February 2026, the city of Nordhorn decided on a wide range of climate adaptation measures to address the challenges of climate change. With a broad range of measures including greening projects, heavy rain management and heat mitigation, Nordhorn aims not only to become more resilient, but also to serve as a role model for other municipalities.

Climate adaptation measures as a central municipal task

The city of Nordhorn has developed a climate adaptation concept within the framework of the "National Climate Adaptation" program, which is funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). A central point is the position of the Climate Adaptation Manager, which is financed to 89.37% by federal funds. This structure ensures the long-term implementation of the measures and creates a point of contact for coordination.

The measures are divided into various projects that focus on greening, heavy rain, heat and public relations. Particularly noteworthy is the interdisciplinary working group that addresses sealing reduction, greening and heavy rain prevention across disciplines. In this way, municipal climate protection is not viewed in isolation, but as a whole.

Greening and density reduction as key measures

A focus of the climate adaptation is the greening of roofs and facades as well as the replanting of trees in public spaces. For example, measure P1 involves the greening of bus stops in Kolberger Straße and Denekamper Straße. This measure not only enhances the visual appearance, but also reduces heat islands and improves air quality.

In measure P2, new tree beds and street trees are being planted in the Bogenstraße and Kolberger Straße. In addition, a new climate tree program is being carried out, in which 360 trees are given to private individuals. These measures contribute to the improvement of microclimatic conditions and strengthen the local climate.

Measure P3 aims at the heat-adapted renovation of public buildings. Thus, shading systems are automated and roofs are insulated in order to reduce heat loads in buildings. In particular, modern technologies are used in educational institutions and sports facilities such as the Bookholt gymnasium.

Heavy rain management as a central challenge

In addition to heat, heavy rain is one of the biggest challenges for Nordhorn. The city has planned several measures, including the construction of rain retention basins, ditches and sealing reduction projects. For example, a rain retention basin will be excavated in the "Sonnenteich" area to intercept heavy rain.

Another focus is the adaptation of property drainage. By installing ditches and disconnecting rainwater connections, the local infiltration is to be improved. In particular, a sealing reduction of 200 m² is carried out in urban areas such as the Friedrich-Ebert-Straße/Zeppelinstraße.

In addition, the city has created a new position for heavy rain risk management, which will start work in February 2026. This measure underlines the strategic importance of the topic and shows the need to take long-term planning into hand.

Public relations and citizen participation as a success factor

In addition to the implementation of concrete measures, Nordhorn also emphasizes the importance of public relations. This includes press releases on heat protection and heavy rain, an information campaign that will run on the Nordhorn website, and participation in the "Lebensträume" fair. In addition, the city plans to create a map of "Cool Places" to help citizens find orientation on hot days.

Another highlight is the 5th Nordhorn Nature Conservation Award, which supports projects that strengthen nature conservation. With a total of 15,000 euros, initiatives such as flower strips, orchard meadows or insect breeding sites are rewarded. This shows how closely climate protection and nature conservation are linked in Nordhorn.

Outlook: Nordhorn as a model city for climate adaptation

With the decided measures, Nordhorn has sent a clear signal: climate change is being taken seriously, and the city is relying on preventive, sustainable solutions. The combination of greening, density reduction, heavy rain management and citizen participation makes Nordhorn a model city for climate adaptation. The experiences from 2026 will certainly have effects in the coming years – not only for Nordhorn, but also for other cities facing similar challenges.