Lower Austria’s model regions for climate adaptation

With the help of the KLAR! programme, model regions throughout Austria continue developing their tailor-made adaptation concepts and regionally tailored measures, and subsequently, begin to implement them. Each region develops a 2–3-year work programme with 10 concrete measures.

Lower Traisental & Fladnitztal

White wine despite a warmer climate. That’s the goal of the Lower Traisental & Fladnitztal region, known for its rivers and vinyards. In 2017, it became one of the first KLAR! regions after locals noticed the burden of climate change on the regional environment: “We have too little groundwater and at the same time far too frequent heavy rainfall”, says KLAR! manager Alexander Simader, citing the resultant high temperatures and soil sealing. To combat these, local farmers started a cooperative focused on the sustainable use of water in agriculture. In addition, they are working to counter flooding from the Traisen river. Going forwards, the region will preserve fresh air corridors and vegetation, as necessary and decisive influences on the local microclimate.

Bucklige Welt / Wechselland

For over 15 years, the 32 municipalities of the Bucklige Welt and Wechselland regions have worked together toward the goal of a sustainable future – one that is as independent of energy imports as possible. Specifically, they are working on the following projects: Avoiding bottlenecks in the drinking water supply, minimising potential hazards from severe weather events, safeguarding forest stands, and preserving biodiversity. The region expects broad acceptance from the population, as this is an important guarantee that the Bucklige Welt will be able to adapt proactively and in the long term to the upcoming changes caused by climate change.

Retz

Near the border with Czechia, the Retz region is one of the driest in Central Europe. As such, the area is alert to the increasing risks associated with drought and heatwaves. To adapt, the region will develop targeted water cycles that keep rainwater for as long as possible, bearing in mind seepage, retention, storage, etc. Another big problem is wind erosion. In addition to soil transport, the earth also becomes dried out. To combat this, the region is planning “green infrastructure” that will both mitigate wind erosion and reinforce the natural habitat of local species. Finally, the region also recognises that climate change leads to new species moving to Retz. In light of this, the region is exploring the possibility to establish an industry for the production of olives and red wine, helping to safeguard the regional economy.

Vorarlberg

Six municipalities in Vorarlberg have come together to form the KLAR! Model Region “Plan B”. The initiative fosters effective ways to deal with climate change, such as the cross-municipal planning and design of: mobility infrastructure, recreational areas, flood protection projects, biotope networks and public green spaces.

The cooperation goes further, with awareness-raising campaigns promoting sustainable behaviour among citizens, businesses, and tourists – towards more personal responsibility and a better understanding of climate change.

Grossglockner / Mölltal-Oberdrautal

Due to the increase in average temperatures caused by climate change, the Pasterzen Glacier has seen a retreat of about 50% of its area since 1848. As well as the general change in the weather situation, the region is obliged to counteract the negative consequences of this and implement new measures. The first step has been to instigate an effective awareness-raising and education process among the population. In addition, the municipalities are initiating measures to protect against natural disasters, including: flood protection, slope stabilisation, protected forests, and monocultures in agriculture and forestry.