(ffm) It has become more homely at the Climate Piazza. After the premiere in 2017 on the inhospitable Roßmarkt, the three-day show on climate adaptation guest this year at the zoo. On Friday, August 17, the two department heads Rosemarie Heilig (Environment) and Ina Hartwig (Culture and Science) together with zoo director Miguel Casares opened the Climate Piazza 2018.
Until Sunday, the Environment Department and the zoo will present the action days and a joint exhibition on the topic of "Humans and Animals in Climate Change". The program includes, as last year, daily expert talks and discussion panels. In addition, hands-on activities invite visitors to engage with the topics of climate change and climate adaptation.
"The summer we are experiencing right now gives us a foretaste of what forecasts predict could be the norm by 2050: Heat records and heated cities, withered trees, water shortages," says Frankfurt's Head of the Environment Rosemarie Heilig. "I am glad that we are dealing with the consequences of climate change in Frankfurt and also discussing adaptation strategies at the Climate Piazza. In this way we can bring the issue to the people, we can raise their awareness and perhaps together we can improve the climate and thus the quality of life for all of us in Frankfurt," Heilig continued. One answer to climate change is already more trees, shrubs, green facades and roofs. Greenery brings cooling, dampens traffic noise and at the same time filters pollutants out of the air.
The cooperation between the zoo and the Environment Department is coherent, actually even logical," says Head of the Department of Culture Ina Hartwig, "Animals are seismographs for changing environmental conditions. The animals, some of which are highly specialised, react much more directly to changes in their habitats than we humans do. At the zoo, these processes are addressed in many places, and I am always amazed at the incredible, diverse and tricky adaptation strategies that many animal species have developed over time."
Zoo Director Miguel Casares is pleased to host Climate Piazza at the Zoo, "The event provides interesting and relevant information in a beautiful and relaxed setting. Our visitors can enjoy the zoo, take home new knowledge and be inspired to become active themselves in matters of climate and species protection. To this end, we have put together a varied programme together with the Environment Department."
Six theme houses invite visitors to take a closer look at the effects of climate change. The exhibition on the square between the zoo society house and the pond has climate adaptation in urban areas as well as the adaptation strategies of animals as its theme. Among other things, the city's "Climate Adaptation Support Programme" for green roofs and the greening of backyards and facades, which has a budget of ten million euros, will be presented. Other topics of the Climate Piazza are urban planning, construction, mobility, water and health.
"In addition, on the "Climate Safari" through the zoo, animals can be discovered that are affected by climate change in nature. In the process, visitors can engage in conversation with the keepers at the respective stations.
To prove that climate change can also be a treat for the palate, neophyte expert Peter Becker will be on hand. He makes delicious spreads from unwelcome plants that are increasingly making themselves at home with us due to rising temperatures. Trying complements studying.
"Climate Piazza at the Zoo," an interactive exhibit weekend August 17-19, 2018. For more information, visit <link http: www.frankfurt-greencity.en _blank>
