Cities around the world are looking for ways to adapt to increasingly frequent and intense heat waves. One of the most effective strategies is the expansion of green infrastructure, which can significantly reduce temperatures and improve the quality of life for residents. Czech cities, including Prague, are already taking the first steps towards implementing these measures, although there are still many challenges to overcome. Katarína Svitková, Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Czech radio.

With another heatwave expected this week following record temperatures in July, cities in Central Europe are belatedly taking action – but politics keeps getting in the way. Katarina Svitkova, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute specializing on climate change, urbanism and sustainability, comments for Balkan Insight.

Czech cities could take inspiration in combating high temperatures from cities in southern Europe, such as Barcelona, which has effective plans and is well-adapted to extreme heat. Barcelona boasts over two hundred climate shelters in publicly accessible institutions like museums, galleries, offices, and libraries, providing drinking water, air conditioning, and informational services. According to Katarína Svitková, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, Czechia lacks action plans and responds to heat only at the last minute. Preparedness for tropical days is crucial for protecting the population, especially seniors and young children, for whom summer days are the most demanding.

Czech cities can draw inspiration from southern Europe in combating heat, such as Barcelona, which has effective plans and is better adapted to high temperatures. For instance, the city boasts over two hundred "climate shelters" in publicly accessible spaces like museums, galleries, offices, and libraries, providing drinking water, air conditioning, and informational services. However, the Czech Republic is unprepared for heatwaves. Associate Researcher Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute Katarína Svitková commented for the Czech News Agency.

The average temperature in the Czech Republic has increased by 2.2 degrees Celsius since the 1960s. As a result of climate change, the country is suffering more frequent weather extremes: torrential rain, drought and heat. Heat waves are particularly severe in heat islands that form in cities. Prague wants to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, add greenery and water features. Will it be enough? Katarina Svitková, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute gives examples to WHAT news on how Barcelona is adapting to the heat.

Cities in southern and western Europe are adapting to summer heatwaves. What measures are they taking to protect their citizens? In an article for EURACTIV, EUROPEUM Institute Associate Katarína Svitková describes the situation.

Our research associate Katarína Svitková wrote an article for URBACT. In the text, she outlines where gender is an issue in urban planning and management and how this perspective can help build better cities for life.

Our researcher Michal Hrubý attended the conference on Decarbonisation of Automotive Transport where he took part in the debate. We are on the threshold of a decision about the future of Czech car transport. Demand for electromobility is growing exponentially globally, as is the development of battery technology. In the future, these could become value-added products that will kick-start our economy and return the Czech Republic to a leading position in the investment environment. According to representatives of the European Parliament, the state administration, the automotive industry and independent experts on electromobility, it is now important for the Czech Republic to leave the scepticism of change behind and start educating and preparing for the decarbonisation of automotive transport. Not only for the environmental impact, but especially for the future competitiveness of the sector. This was stated in a debate at the Decarbonisation of Automotive Transport conference organised by EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy on Tuesday 1 March.