Adaptation to climate change does not end with greenhouse gas reduction processes. Equally important is adapting to new conditions and reconstructing the infrastructure of cities so that it is conducive to residents. Such solutions are what Gdynia wants to introduce.
In Gdynia, the KLIMATyczne Centrum project has been created, the main goal of which is adaptation to climate change. The project is a response to challenges related to the formation of heat islands, lack of natural retention or biologically active area.
Transformation of space, especially city centers, is an ongoing activity. Changing realities and needs are capable of redefining original assumptions. Today, we wholeheartedly support processes that respond to climate challenges. Infrastructure and the changes associated with it are one of the elements that build our behavior," points out Wojciech Szczurek, Mayor of Gdynia.
map with streets that will undergo metamorphosis
© City Hall of Gdynia
changes in urban spaces
The project is composed of many stages. One of them is the metamorphosis of Żwirki i Wigury and Obrońców Wybrzeża streets. As part of the project, the city has decided on far-reaching steps. Roadway lanes in two directions are to be reduced to 2.75 meters wide, while sidewalks are to be widened to 2.6 and in places even 4 meters. In several places, the city wants to uncover historic paving while maintaining accessibility standards for people with disabilities. Equally important in the project is the arrangement of parking spaces. Bicycle traffic has not been separated and is to be carried out on the roadway with the connection of bicycle lanes from Wladyslaw IV Street. The work is scheduled to be completed in 2023.
Obrońców Wybrzeża street currently
© City Hall of Gdynia
The KLIMATyczne Centrum project is a multidimensional activity aimed at changing our daily habits, but is also a response to the challenges of strengthening ecological processes. In the space of two street fragments alone, we plan to plant almost 60 new trees, as well as 700 shrubs and 1,000 perennials. The choice of the "design and build" procedure is the result of market challenges, as well as precisely prepared implementation guidelines," says Marek Lucyk, Gdynia's vice-president for development.
Gdynia's environmental policy was singled out in a report by the think tank Policy Insight, which pointed to brilliantly solved individual electric transportation. The city ranked 17th out of 66 in the ranking of green cities. As the report compiled by ThinkCo indicated, Gdynia is the city with the highest level of happiness. The policy of narrowing streets, introducing lots of greenery and improving retention, is in line with the direction of change that is being driven by climate change and increasing weather anomalies.
Visualization of Obrońców Wybrzeża Street after changes introduced as part of the KLIMATyczne Centrum project
© City Hall of Gdynia
