Climate-resilient region with international appeal

​The "Climate-resilient region with international appeal" project focuses on measures to reduce rainwater run-off into the sewer system and to increase evaporation rates. This reduces the risk of flooding in the event of heavy rainfall, and cools the surrounding area, which increases climate resilience – i.e. the ability to withstand the effects of climate change. The objective is that, by 2040, at least 25% of paved surfaces will be decoupled from the sewer system and the evaporation rate will be 10 percentage points higher.
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The Emschergenossenschaft water board, as project partner, set up a service organisation in Essen in January 2020, thus laying key groundwork for implementing the measures with the municipalities and water boards involved. As of 31 July 2020, there have been more than 80 project ideas from 17 towns and cities, relating in particular to green roofs and facades, rainwater infiltration, preparatory concepts and studies, and environmental education. More than 40 funding applications have already been submitted, for a total amount of around EUR 2.7 million. More will follow in the coming weeks.