Climate change in Switzerland: Why we need to build differently today
Climate change is clearly noticeable in Switzerland. The increase in hot days, in particular, poses a major challenge for the country. Experts warn that Switzerland must prepare for more frequent, longer, and more intense heatwaves.
Climate researcher Reto Knutti emphasizes that our current construction methods are often not yet adapted to these new conditions. In many cases, buildings are still being planned today as if the climate would remain as stable as it was in the past. However, this is a mistake, as temperatures are rising continuously.
To protect the population from increasing heat, a rethink in architecture and urban planning is necessary. In the future, buildings must be constructed in such a way that they remain cool even during extreme temperatures. This includes better insulation, more shade from trees, and the use of materials that store less heat.
In addition to architecture, urban planning also plays an important role. Cities must be designed in a way that they do not heat up as much. This means more green spaces and fewer sealed surfaces such as asphalt. Such measures not only help against the heat but also improve the quality of life for people in Swiss cities.
In summary, it can be said that climate change requires rapid action. If we build for tomorrow's climate today, we can significantly reduce the negative consequences of heat for society.