Vulnerability analysis of climate change impacts in the city of Prague

Climate change is one of the key challenges of the 21st century, both in terms of adaptation as well as mitigation. The aim of this research was, following the Adaptation Strategy of the City of Prague, to prepare the background analysis for the Adaptation Action Plan, focusing on vulnerability assessment. The vulnerability asssessment focused on the climate change impacts related to: (i) temperature extremes - heatwaves, (ii) insufficient rainwater retention and extreme rainfall. The approach included spatially-specific analysis using ArcGIS based on climatic, land use and socio-economic indicators for the current status and future RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. Regarding vulnerability to heatwaves, the most affected areas are located in the city center (Prague 2, Prague 3, Prague 6, Prague 7, Prague 1) and some peripheral areas with industrial buildings (e.g. Libeň or Štěrboholy). Vulnerability to extreme precipitation and insufficient rainwater retention was highest particularly at the confluence of the Vltava and Berounka (Velká Chuchle, Prague 16, Zbraslav and Lipence)