Climate change and urban planning

The aim of the study is to promote adaptation to and mitigation of climate change in urban planning and, thereby, to reduce damages caused by floods and storms as well as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The research was based on ongoing planning processes in six study locations in Finland. The study analyses plans at different levels: regional, master and detailed plans. Plans were considered on the basis of local climate conditions and of the microclimate they will form. Mitigation of climate change was considered by assessing greenhouse gas emissions from realizing the plans. The bases for analyses are estimations about essential impacts of climate change in the case localities. Results of the project are recommendations of practical procedures and means for taking climate change into account in urban planning and impact assessment. Control of and adaptation to climate change should be an established practice in urban planning