CSA Athens
Athens Metropolitan Area
Athens, Greece
Athens Metropolitan Area is facing escalating challenges related to urban heat and its impact on public health. Extreme heat, droughts, and water scarcity are all projected to intensify across Greece and southern Europe, posing significant risks to the population.
The frequency and duration of heatwaves and droughts are increasing, with a notable rise in the number of tropical days and nights. These extreme conditions elevate the risk of heat-related illnesses and mortality, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Nearly two-fifths of Attica’s forests have been lost to wildfires (that ignited during heatwaves) over the past eight years.
With climate projections indicating further increases in extreme heat events, Athens is at a critical juncture where effective strategies must be developed to mitigate these risks. Addressing these issues holistically will be key to enhancing resilience and safeguarding public health in the face of a changing climate.
The Digital Twin for Heat Health Risk (DT-HEAT) addresses the escalating heat challenges faced by Athens and will be used as mortality estimator for short- and long-term planning.
Leveraging advanced digital twin technology from DestinE, DT-HEAT+ integrates emergency services, nature-based solutions (NbS), and community engagement to transform urban areas into resilient environments prepared for extreme heat. This approach enhances emergency response, supports urban ecosystem restoration, and empowers vulnerable communities, creating a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable cityscape that anticipates the demands of 2050.
In collaboration with local authorities, stakeholders, civil society, and the private sector, DT-HEAT fosters a co-design process for future solutions. Together, they are developing climate resilience pathways and adaptation and mitigation options for heat health risks, focusing on NbS such as green roofs, facades, green spaces, (peri-) urban parks, and the interconnection of green and blue infrastructures. Additionally, initiatives include social infrastructure improvements (facilities, services, and community connections), urban planning reforms, and enhanced emergency management and warning systems to effectively manage extreme heat events.
The National Observatory of Athens (NOA) is a leading Greek Research Centre focused on advancing Space Sciences and their practical applications, with a proven track record of impactful contributions. NOA is composed of three Institutes: the Institute for Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications & Remote Sensing (IAASARS), the Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development (IERSD), and the Geodynamics Institute (GI). Over the past two decades, NOA has built a solid foundation of skilled experts and robust infrastructure, establishing itself as a major contributor to international space science and a strong advocate for Greece’s role in the European Space Sector. NOA also serves as Greece’s primary liaison with the European Space Agency and other relevant EU organizations.
The IAASARS/NOA is especially active in Space Sciences, Space applications, and Earth Observation, achieving significant breakthroughs in research and operational activities through leading EU initiatives such as COPERNICUS, GALILEO, GEO, and GEOSS. The Institute possesses deep expertise in Earth Observation fields like image processing, big data analytics, and signal processing. Supported by extensive space-based monitoring systems, acquisition facilities, and in situ networks, IAASARS/NOA plays a pivotal role in environmental monitoring at both national and international levels.
With a focus on near real-time observations and services, IAASARS contributes to operational programs led by the European Commission (EC), ESA, and a wide range of national and European entities, including ministries, civil protection authorities, municipalities, and environmental organizations.
SENSE-NOA (www.sense-noa.gr) is the team involved in CARMINE and is leading the CSA of Athens. It brings substantial experience in developing Earth Observation services and systems, with a special emphasis on urban resilience, thermal monitoring, and leadership in urban-focused Earth Observation efforts through GEO and EuroGEO.
Athens, a major metropolitan region known for its historic and cultural heritage, faces unique and pressing challenges related to extreme heat. With its hot Mediterranean climate, Athens experiences prolonged heatwaves each summer, creating conditions that increasingly strain urban infrastructure and affect public health. The city’s heat challenges are further intensified by the influx of millions of tourists each year, adding seasonal demand on resources and creating additional pressures on public services, especially during peak summer months.
Additionally, Athens has an aging population that is particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, which can exacerbate health risks among older adults. Addressing the specific needs of this demographic is crucial for ensuring resilience and safeguarding public health.
Athens has already implemented several climate resilience initiatives, including nature-based solutions (NbS) which help mitigate urban heat. These solutions are at various stages of deployment. The Athens Living Labs will provide a unique setting to evaluate these solutions, assess their effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement.
Through the implementation of the Digital Twin for Heat Health Risk (DT-HEAT), Athens Metropolitan Area aims to model and anticipate future climate scenarios, build on NbS, and foster a resilient urban environment equipped for the challenges of 2050.
By working collaboratively with project partners in Athens and elsewhere, local authorities, civil society, and the private sector, CARMINE will enhance Athens’ climate resilience and reduce the mortality due to heat.
The Athens Case Study Area aims to produce a range of impactful results that will enhance the city’s resilience to extreme heat and contribute valuable insights for urban climate adaptation strategies. Key expected outcomes include:
- Development of the Digital Twin for Heat Health Risk (DT-HEAT): A core goal is to implement the DT-HEAT digital twin, which integrates past, present, real-time and future data and advanced simulations to assess and predict heat-related mortality. This digital twin will serve as a dynamic platform, allowing Athens to monitor and manage heat waves more effectively, improve emergency responses, and identify priority areas for cooling interventions.
- Improved Climate Resilience through Nature-Based Solutions (NbS): By evaluating the effectiveness of existing NbS, CARMINE will assess their impact on urban cooling and health outcomes. This evaluation will inform the enhancement of current NbS and guide the design of future solutions.
- Enhanced Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Working closely with local authorities, civil society, and the private sector, the project will foster a co-design approach to resilience planning. This collaborative effort will ensure that proposed solutions are tailored to the needs of Athens Metropolitan Area’s communities and build local ownership of climate adaptation strategies.
- Data-Driven Insights for Vulnerable Populations: The project will focus on protecting Athens’ aging population as well as children, who are particularly at risk during heatwaves.
Agencies and organizations from the environment and urban innovation sector, health sector, civil protection or emergency management, tourism sector and energy sector, with representation of local, regional and central government authorities; research centres; NGOs and citizen groups working with seniors, children and youth, newcomers (refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants), and socio-economically disadvantaged groups; and youth climate advocates.
- December 5, 2024 Living Lab Athens Urban Heat Resilience: Pioneering Solutions for a Cooler Athens