Spatial planning fit for climate change

Spatial planning plays a key role in adaptation to climate risks. Thereby, a forward-looking and holistic approach to urban and regional development is needed when decision makers in local spatial planning, municipalities and cities attempt to implement effective measures for climate change adaptation. In this context, there is often a lack of adequate data bases as well as specific but also interdisciplinary knowledge for the interpretation of climate data for the concrete planning case. Based on the concrete planning example of a medium-sized city with a central function as a provincial capital (St. Pölten) and with strong development dynamics, the project considers how climate change adaptation can be implemented at the local level, taking into account the supra-local specifications and strategies, especially if the interconnectedness across planning boundaries (such as urban/urban hinterland) is to be included in the decision-making process. Through an actor-based discussion, which data are needed in particular for the assessment of the spatial impact/sensitivity, how the data management can be improved, as well as a more intensive use of the data at different planning levels, concrete requirements for data and their interpretation are defined in order to reduce uncertainties for the legitimacy of planning decisions in the future and to maximize positive synergies of different planning interests. The project directly shows potentials and necessities of the implementation of climate change adaptation measures via planning instruments, provides action and decision support and forces the interdisciplinary exchange between relevant actors. The project results can and should also provide assistance for other communities.