Barcelona: Climate Change & Biodiversity

Target

Cities around the world are facing the increasingly urgent challenge of countering the growing phenomenon of extreme heat, a phenomenon amplified by urban heat islands. And as heat waves increase in duration and intensity, severe drought areas, as well as illnesses and deaths due to high temperatures, are growing alarmingly, putting the well-being of the entire community at risk.

The new and adverse climatic situation that is being generated in recent times therefore implies a better choice of novel tree species and soils that will ensure their adaptability. But the choice of such species should not be the result of the offer of the moment or merely aesthetic decisions. Decisions based su scientific evidence are needed. Therefore, it is necessary to have data to draw objective conclusions that can highlight which tree species can provide the best environmental solutions, and with what impact on the urban environment (better thermal comfort, biodiversity...).

Area of intervention

In response to this emergency, the Capellino Foundation first launched the project in Florence in 2023, making it a replicable model in other cities around the world. Collaboration among other organizations was then also initiated in Germany(Mannheim) and Norway(Bergen), with the aim of exchanging knowledge and experience in the areas of education, politics and science in the context of EduNate Cities. But as a replication of the Florentine model, in collaboration with the City of Barcelona, the Capellino Foundation has since also developed another project aimed at testing, in the Catalan metropolis already considered among the 5 best smart cities in the world, effective green solutions for the cities of the future.