Climate-Adapted Urban Development – Challenges and Opportunities in Planning Practice

The article discusses the integration of climate adaptation into urban planning in Germany, emphasizing the importance of considering climate concerns in all planning phases. It highlights the challenges faced by planners in reconciling competing objectives, particularly in densely built-up areas. The “Green City of the Future” research project (funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research) serves as a basis, demonstrating how interdisciplinary collaboration can address these challenges through research and practical applications. The project explores various planning instruments, including formal and informal ones, and their potential for climate adaptation. Special attention is given to climate-oriented competitions, where early integration of climate concerns is crucial. The article proposes guidance for climate- oriented competitions, emphasizing the need for standardized criteria and early consideration of climate adaptation measures. It concludes with implications for planning practice and policy, stressing the necessity of proactive measures and collaborative efforts to achieve climate-oriented urban development. The project results emphasize the importance of prioritizing climate adaptation in urban planning in order to create resilient and sustainable cities for future generations.