Addressing Urban Heat Island Challenges in Galați: Highlights from the Local Methodology Workshop

Galati Municipality alongside the Tehnopol Association, recently held a local methodology workshop, focused on the urban heat islands (UHI) effects and climate change, as part of the Be Ready Project (UrBan hEat islands REsilience, prepAreDness and mitigation strategY). This collaborative event brought together local authorities, climate experts, and stakeholders to establish a framework for assessing UHI risks and data collection.

The workshop began with an introductory speech by Mr. Sorin Enache, Deputy Mayor of Galati Municipality, who emphasized the city’s commitment to tackling climate challenges. Project manager Mr. Ovidiu Costea outlined the workshop's goals. This was followed by a key presentation from our external experts, which detailed UHI vulnerabilities and the risk assessment methodology available to stakeholders.

After a participatory session on data collection, participants discussed forming a local coalition to mitigate UHI impacts, culminating in signing a local coalition pact. That marked a step towards proactive environmental governance. Six organizations signed the Local Coalition Pact, with more expected to join.

The workshop improved the mutual learning of UHI effects and climate challenges in Galați and reinforced the commitment of all stakeholders to proactive climate action.