€10 million for heat-resilient cities |
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European research project tests 24 measures against heat stress using digital city simulations and urban greening
Cities are looking for ways to better cope with rising temperatures. A European consortium led by Wageningen University & Research has received €10 million in funding for this purpose. The euroasis project will test 24 different solutions in four cities, including Amsterdam. The four-year research programme aims to identify which measures are most effective in reducing urban heat stress.
| A bench in a green public space |
The solutions range from planting additional trees, expanding urban green spaces and introducing more water features to digital applications that help residents identify cooler locations in the city. Temporary shade structures at public transport stops and squares will also be tested. Researchers will also investigate measures related to work and health, such as adjusting work schedules during heatwaves and monitoring the body temperature of outdoor workers using wearable devices.
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Not every cooling measure is free of side effects. That is why we first test them digitally before applying them in the city
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Digital city as a testing environment
One notable aspect of the project is the use of digital twins of cities. Proposed measures are first evaluated in a virtual city before being tested in real-life conditions. This approach is intended to determine not only whether interventions reduce temperatures, but also how they affect factors such as air quality and traffic.
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A notable aspect of the project is the use of digital twins of cities, allowing measures to be tested in a virtual environment first
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Linking policy and practice
The growing focus on heat is part of a broader trend. In the Netherlands, a broad coalition of organisations recently called for minimum standards for green space and tree cover in public spaces. Stad + Groen previously reported on this initiative. The Dutch House of Representatives also adopted a motion calling for a national approach to greening the built environment and embedding existing guidelines in spatial planning.
According to figures from the project, millions of people live in areas at increased risk of overheating, particularly in densely built-up neighbourhoods where green space and shade are limited.
This article was previously published on 3 July 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.
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