Krefeld's Climate Protection Strategy: From Analysis to Action

Climate Analysis as the Foundation for Climate Protection

In 2024, Krefeld underwent a comprehensive climate analysis that examined the urban area in terms of temperature trends, urban heat island effects, and microclimates. Unlike the 2003 analysis, the new study uses modern technologies such as 56 stationary sensors and over 400,000 mobile datasets, collected through a citizen science project. The results of this analysis are not only a scientific tool but also a political and planning framework: They directly feed into the city's planning processes and are publicly accessible via the Geoportal of the City of Krefeld.

This climate analysis is a crucial step in understanding and effectively addressing the impacts of climate change on the city. It enables the creation of planning guidance maps, which, for example, highlight the urgency of greening measures along main traffic arteries or in densely built-up districts such as Fischeln or Uerdingen.

Urban Heat Island Effect and Microclimate: Challenges and Solutions

A central issue in Krefeld's climate policy is the urban heat island effect (UHI). In heavily sealed and densely built-up areas, temperatures rise significantly above the surrounding countryside – especially at night. The difference can be up to 3 degrees Celsius, with the highest heat burden occurring in the city center and the district of Uerdingen.

The city has set clear priorities here: Green roofs, façade greening, and the expansion of open spaces are key measures to improve the microclimate. The checklist for tree planting, adopted in 2022, will be reviewed and updated in 2026. The goal is to define priorities for new plantings in particularly burdened areas. These measures are not only ecologically sound but also contribute to the health of the population – especially in times of increasing heat stress.

Climate Adaptation in Urban Development: From Planning to Implementation

Climate adaptation is not just a theoretical concept but a central component of urban development. Krefeld has adopted an integrated climate protection concept, "KrefeldKlimaNeutral 2035", which includes up to 22 specific measures. These include, for example, the introduction of green roofs, the creation of fresh air corridors, and urban development contracts with investors that include climate protection measures.

Another milestone is the biannual reporting on progress in climate adaptation. The current progress report for the third quarter of 2025 will be published in February 2026. According to the interim report, 56.2 percent of the achievable points have already been reached – a significant increase compared to 2022 (27.1 percent). These figures show that Krefeld is on the right track, but also that much remains to be done.

Public Engagement and Citizen Participation: Co-Creation as a Key

Krefeld is not only relying on technical solutions but also on citizen participation and awareness building. The citizen science project, which collected over 400,000 datasets from citizens, is an example of how climate protection can be understood as a community project. In addition, there are initiatives such as tree bed sponsorships, urban gardening, and edible cities, which actively involve the population.

The city also promotes exchange with businesses, associations, and farmers. Public relations via social media, press, and events are an integral part of the strategy. The newsletter "Krefeld_Klimaneutral" and the Instagram channel are examples of the digital public relations activities the city pursues.

Outlook: Krefeld as a Model City for Climate Protection?

With the adoption of the integrated climate protection concept and the implementation of concrete measures, Krefeld has shown that climate protection is possible even in medium-sized cities. The combination of scientific analysis, political action, and citizen participation makes Krefeld a model example in the field of urban climate adaptation.

The challenges remain considerable: Rising temperatures, microplastic pollution, air pollutants, and the effects on bird populations show that climate protection must be a holistic process. Krefeld has laid the right foundation – now it is time to take the next steps with consistent ambition and transparency.