Written by: Birthe Uhlhorn, BOKU

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As part of the interdisciplinary course Urban Climate and Environmental Meteorology at BOKU University, students explored how cities can respond to the challenges of climate change through innovative planning approaches. Combining perspectives from meteorology and climatology, landscape architecture and -planning, the course aims to provide students with a holistic understanding of the interactions between urban environments, climate, and human well-being.

In this course, Verena Radinger-Peer provided insights from ᴇNᴀBʟS’ Austrian Living Lab. Within her teaching unit, students were introduced to the concept of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and their potential to address urban challenges associated with climate change. The course highlighted how NBS can contribute to more resilient and liveable cities by delivering multiple ecosystem services, including urban cooling, stormwater management, biodiversity enhancement, and improved quality of life. These concepts were further complemented by a guest lecture from landscape architect and urban design expert Thomas Kerekes, who provided valuable insights into the transformation of urban street spaces and the challenges cities face in adapting to climate change. The lecture explored the organisational complexity behind urban decision-making processes and highlighted the multiple actors involved in planning and implementing climate adaptation measures. Particular attention was given to the question of how cities can respond to increasing climate risks while maintaining inclusive and high-quality public spaces for residents.

The theoretical foundations presented in class were further reinforced during an excursion through the 7th and 6th municipal districts of Vienna through different re-designed streets, where students had the opportunity to observe and discuss implemented NBS in practice. Particular attention was given to the cooling effects of green infrastructure, demonstrating how vegetation can mitigate urban heat stress and improve thermal comfort. Beyond the biophysical processes, students also learned about the governance and planning dimensions of NBS, including how participatory approaches can support their successful design, implementation, and long-term management. This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience enabled students to better understand both the environmental benefits and the social processes that underpin sustainable urban transformation.