StOasenWandel: The socio-ecological relevance of urban green space for climate change and well-being
Cities are particularly affected by climate change. Cool and quiet urban oases - trees, parks and forests - will gain in importance. We combine the ecological importance of urban green spaces with biodiversity, climate adaptation and human health.
In the "StOasenWandel" project, we researchers from the Technical University of Munich focus on the role of urban oases for socio-ecology, health and climate. We hypothesise that many small oases in growing and warming cities play a more important role for climate adaptation and health care than single large ones. From our scientific results we will derive practical tips to preserve Munich's liveable green spaces.
This research is funded by the Bavarian State Ministry for Health and Care (StMGP), as well as the Bavarian State Ministry for the Environment and Consumer Protection (StMUV) under the project name "Klimawandel und Gesundheit" (VKG) and carried out with the support of the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL), as well as the Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU).
Research questions
1. What are the health benefits (e.g. cooling, stress reduction, experience of nature) of urban oases?
2. What is the relationship between species composition of plants (e.g. native, non-native urban trees) and structural complexity?
3. How do different vegetation compositions and structures affect meteorological aspects of urban oases?
4. How do microclimate (temperature, humidity, light), vegetation structure, oasis size, and biodiversity (plants, animals) affect the health aspects of urban oases?
5. What do citizens expect from their urban oases in the context of climate change and health benefits, and how should they be developed?
Aim: To investigate different effects of small green spaces on the immediate environment, in terms of climate change and the health and well-being of the population.