Reaching the Heat-Vulnerable: Actor-Centred Approaches at #ECCA2025

By Marta Ducci

As cities across Europe grapple with rising temperatures, the question of how to protect those most vulnerable to extreme heat is more urgent than ever. At ECCA2025, the session “Reaching the Heat-Vulnerable: Actor-Centred Approaches to Participation and Implementation” brought together experts and practitioners from Germany, Hungary, and Slovenia to explore how inclusive governance can drive effective, scalable heat adaptation.

Moderated by Marco Elischer from the Municipality of Worms (Germany), the session featured diverse perspectives: Wolfgang Hofstetter (Climate Alliance), Peter Beznec (Centre for Health and Development Murska Sobota, Slovenia), Sven Lautenbach (University of Heidelberg), and Max Ulrich (atmoVera, Germany).

Targeting at-risk groups

Municipalities such as Worms are integrating Heat Health Action Plans into their climate strategies, supported by EU projects such as Interreg CE Ready4Heat. These efforts target at-risk groups - elderly citizens, outdoor workers, children – using tools like self-assessment platforms and workshops. But implementation isn’t without challenges: financial limitations, administrative hurdles, and difficulties engaging specific groups like athletes and workers emerged as common barriers.

Speakers highlighted that bottom-up processes are essential. From participatory school planning in Slovenia to a pedestrian routing app (HEAL) that helps avoid heat hotspots in Heidelberg and Worms, the session showcased how involving citizens fosters long-term commitment and more resilient outcomes.

Using multipliers to bridge gaps

The discussion emphasized the value of intermediaries: multipliers who can bridge gaps between policy and community. Participants also shared their own experiences and good practices in an interactive segment, fostering valuable cross-city learning.

The key takeaway? Sustainable heat adaptation must go beyond infrastructure, embedding people, participation, and equity at the heart of planning and policy.

Chair:

Marco Elischer (Worms Municipality)

Speaker:

Wolfgang Hofstetter (Climate Alliance)
Peter Beznec (Centre for Health and Development Murska Sobota)
Sven Lautenbach (University of Heidelberg)
Max Ulrich (atmoVera)

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Reaching the Heat-Vulnerable: Actor-Centred Approaches at #ECCA2025

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