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Box 10. Sustainable urban development planner for climate change adaptation; the case of
Wuppertal, Germany

Sustainable Urban Development Planner for Climate Change Adaptation (Sudpna) is a European
Union project that was implemented from 2010 to 2012 to assist cities in developing a web‐based
planning, prediction and training tool to support decisions in long term urban planning. Wuppertal
was selected as one of the pilot cities.

Wuppertal located in the steep, narrow, long valley of the Wupper River. The main concern
regarding climate change impacts is uncontrollable, extremely localized run‐off from increased
heavy, short rainfall events. The city copes with run‐off from 350 kilometers of creeks (over 800
creek sections) and 650 kilometers of drainage channel system.

By expanding the possibilities for risk assessment using among others a 3D topography model, and
a scenario management system SUDPLAN was applied to decision making on building measures. The
models used in the pilot city of Wuppertal simulate the surface drainage during a heavy rain event,
allowing the influence of climate change on the frequency and intensity of future rainfall to be
studied. This created a basis for the approval process with affected decision makers and for advising
affected individuals. It is a case study that illuminates integration of climate change in an actual,
long‐term urban planning process that also enhances public awareness for future risks.
Sources:
City of Wuppertal‐ official website: https://www.wuppertal.de/pressearchiv/meldungen‐2012/oktober
/102370100000448723.php
German Federal Environment Agency website: http://www.umweltbundesamt.de/en/themen/klima‐
energie/klimafolgen‐anpassung/werkzeuge‐der‐anpassung/tatenbank/anpassungsstrategie‐der‐wuppertaler
Michel, F., Steffen, D., Schlobinski, S. and Sander, S., 2012 "Considering the Impact of Future Climate Change on the
Resilience of a City ‐ Surface Run‐Off due to Heavy Storm Events in the City of Wuppertal"

Strategic sectors for the cities' economy can also be impacted by climate change, including the
agricultural sector. Heat waves, droughts, or flooding associated with rising sea levels can lead to
increased losses in land, agriculture and infrastructure, if unaddressed. ICTs can support city
adaptation planning processes in order to strengthen agricultural practices. (Box 11).

568 ITU‐T's Technical Reports and Specifications