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Description
The project''s aim is improved adaptation to climate change at local level. This project consists in the elaboration of a good practice manual that supports the creation of eco-efficient green spaces resilient to climate change, adapted to the soil and climate conditions of Alentejo Central, improving the thermal conditions of urban settlements exposed to heat waves. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of local populations in Central Alentejo to adapt to the effect of heat waves on public health. The project aims to involve citizens in planting 50,000 trees in the urban areas of Central Alentejo to reduce morbidity and mortality rates, especially among the most vulnerable to heat waves in an urban setting.
Summary of project results
Climate models predict an increase in the magnitude, frequency and duration of waves across the country, with particular incidence in Alentejo. For example, for Central Alentejo, in the 2040-70 horizon, the models predict that heat waves will last for 7 to 17 days. Without the adoption of preventive measures, an increase in human morbidity and mortality will be inevitable to combat heat waves. Scientific studies demonstrate the effectiveness of planting trees in urban areas as a way to reduce summer temperatures. It is expected that with the implementation of the Além Risco project it will be possible to reduce the "heat island" effect in urban environments in Central Alentejo.
The 50,000 trees planted within the scope of Além Risco represent an incentive for the transformation of the urban landscape of Central Alentejo, creating countless shaded spaces for the enjoyment of current but essentially future generations. In this context, it is expected that the positive social impacts generated by the project will persist decades after the project''s completion.
Firstly, because Além Risco will provide, for the first time, the necessary reflection on the design of eco-efficient green spaces resilient to heat waves for Central Alentejo. Secondly, the Além Risco project is based on an unprecedented mobilization of the Alentejo population towards a common objective: adapting populations to summer heat waves.
The main result of the project was the planting of 50,000 trees around Central Alentejo whether through campaigns or living labs. The tree planting is an adaptation and mitigation measure to climate change, but it is also a way of protecting the older population from exposure to heat waves. The heat waves can lead to dehydration, the worsening of chronic illnesses, exhaustion or heat stroke, which can result in irreversible damage to health and can even lead to loss of life. No one is immune to the effects of a heat wave, but the elderly, children and people who are bedridden or frail are particularly affected by them. The main challenges faced by the project were the lack of human resources, adverse weather conditions, slow involvement of local authorities and pandemic restrictions.