Climate Adaptation in Leverkusen: Challenges and Measures in February 2026

Climate Adaptation in Leverkusen: Challenges and Measures in February 2026

In 2026, the city of Leverkusen significantly intensified its climate-related activities. With rising temperatures, more frequent heavy rainfall events, and the impact of the urban heat island effect, local measures must be precisely targeted. In February 2026, several key decisions were made to ensure the protection of the population, the maintenance of urban infrastructure, and long-term climate resilience.

Heat Mitigation and Health Protection

Leverkusen has further developed its municipal Heat Action Plan, which is part of the Climate Adaptation Strategy 2020. The goal is to reduce health burdens caused by heatwaves, especially among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, people with chronic illnesses, and the homeless.

These measures include:

• Heat warning systems connected to the German Weather Service (DWD)
• Cooling locations in the city identified and displayed on a map
• Refill stations to promote fluid intake
• Greening measures, such as roof greening and street planting, to reduce heat stress

The city closely cooperates with the Health Department and follows recommendations from the WHO and the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). The plan is evaluated annually to adapt to changing climate signals.

Flood Protection and Stormwater Management

Another central topic was protection against heavy rainfall events, particularly at the Stadthalle Bergisch Neukirchen, which has repeatedly been affected by flooding. The causes include sealed surfaces with a slope toward the venue and insufficient sewer and drainage systems.

The city plans:

• The redevelopment of sealed surfaces
• The improvement of wastewater drainage
• In the long term, a Sponge City strategy to reduce water runoff

These measures aim to protect events and building operations from flood events and to make the urban infrastructure more resilient.

Transport Planning and Climate Resilience

The traffic congestion at the Küppersteg roundabout once again emerged as a critical issue. Waiting times during peak hours reach up to ten minutes, which affects traffic safety. At the same time, pedestrian and cycling traffic is being strengthened as part of the Mobility Strategy 2030+.

Key measures include:

• Reduction of sealed surfaces through integration of green spaces
• Improvement of traffic quality through structural adjustments
• Long-term planning to ensure the performance of the transport network

Traffic forecasts up to 2040 show that even with moderate reductions in traffic due to sustainable mobility forms, the infrastructure must be adapted to meet expectations.

Greening and Climate Resilience

The city is relying on nature-based solutions to cushion the effects of climate change. These include:

• Greening of roofs and façades
• Tree planting as part of the Urban Tree Concept
• Reduction of surface sealing through de-sealing measures

These measures not only contribute to heat relief, but also to improving air quality and reducing stormwater runoff. The urban heat island effect is being mitigated through these strategies.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Climate Resilience

The measures taken in February 2026 show that Leverkusen is actively responding to the challenges of climate change. The focus on heat mitigation, flood protection, and climate-compatible urban development is essential to ensure the quality of life for residents and to make the city more resilient.

The next steps should be based on monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation of the measures. Only in this way can Leverkusen act as a climate-resilient city in the long term and ensure the well-being of its citizens.