Solingen in the Climate Change Era: How the City is Advancing Climate Protection and Sustainability

Climate Protection in Solingen: From Strategy to Practice

In recent years, Solingen has gained attention as a pioneer in climate protection and climate adaptation in North Rhine-Westphalia. In April 2026, several key decisions were made that define the city's future role in the climate protection process. The strategy for climate neutrality by 2040, the integration of climate protection in kindergartens, and the creation of a digital twin of the city are just a few examples of the comprehensive measures.

Climate Protection Strategy and Municipal Goals

Solingen has clearly committed to a climate-neutral future. The action plan document "Climate Neutrality by 2040," adopted in 2024, is a milestone in municipal climate policy. It sets clear goals, including the reduction of CO₂ emissions and the expansion of renewable energies. The city is a member of the Climate Alliance of European Cities and has won the European Energy Award multiple times, underscoring the quality of its climate protection policies.

Another central element is the Energy Policy Action Plan 2025–2030, which serves as a guideline for implementing the climate protection strategy. It includes measures in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energies, the transition in mobility, and climate adaptation. Solingen also plans to develop a digital city model that visualizes climatic risks and adaptation strategies and integrates them into urban planning.

Climate Protection in Daycare Centers: Practical Implementation and Measurable Success

A particularly successful example of implementing climate protection at the municipal level is the project "Solinger Kitas for Climate Protection and a Fair Future." By 2028, 18 municipal daycare centers will be part of the model that combines energy-efficient building management, climate protection actors, and citizen participation.

The results are impressive: between 2019 and 2024, the daycare centers saved 221,660 kWh of heating energy and 4,361 kWh of electricity, equivalent to a reduction of 133 tons of CO₂. A reward system with financial incentives encourages participation by daycare centers. A budget of up to 5,975 euros from the budget line "Adaptation to Climate Change" supports implementation.

Green Spaces, Trees, and Climate Adaptation: The Role of Nature

Trees and green spaces in Solingen are not just aesthetic elements, but central pillars of climate adaptation. The city promotes climate-resilient and insect-friendly species for new plantings and supports the preservation of existing trees through a tree protection ordinance, which requires permits for felling trees with a trunk circumference of 80 cm or more.

Another project is the campaign "People Need Trees!", which promotes private tree planting and highlights the importance of green spaces for climate resilience. In addition, a map of cool areas has been created to plan heat protection measures more effectively. In the city center, projects for roof greening and gravel garden conversions are underway.

Heat Protection and Participatory Climate Adaptation

Solingen has also prepared for the challenges of climate change, particularly in terms of heat stress. The KLISOPAR project in Ohligs is an example of participatory development of heat protection measures. Measures such as lighter paving, drinking water fountains, and trees in Düssestraße and at the Ohligs Market Square contribute to improving quality of life.

In addition, Solingen supports the project "ISEK City 2030", which develops a greening concept for the city center. The Solingen App has been expanded with a heat warning system to inform citizens about upcoming heat waves. A Refill initiative for free drinking water is another element to protect health during heat periods.

Citizen Participation and Education: Keys to Climate Resilience

The city is deliberately relying on citizen participation and education to anchor climate protection at all levels. The "Klima.Fit Solingen" program, which runs until 2025, promotes climate adaptation in the private sector through lectures, workshops, and counseling. Daycare centers train climate and sustainability detectives, and certification programs such as KlimaKita.NRW and FaireKita are part of the reward model.

The climate adaptation strategy is currently being updated, with citizens actively involved in the process. This is a central element for the long-term implementation of climate protection goals.

Conclusion: Solingen – A Model for Climate-Resilient Cities

The measures Solingen has advanced in April 2026 show how cities can implement climate protection and climate adaptation in a strategic and practical way. Through the combination of energy efficiency, green spaces, citizen participation, and digital planning, Solingen has developed a sustainable model that can serve as an example for other municipalities.

In the coming years, it will be particularly important to evaluate the results of pilot projects and, if necessary, to refine them. In addition, long-term financing models and the integration into urban planning will be decisive for the success of the climate protection strategy. Solingen has clearly chosen its direction – now it is time to consistently follow this course.