Uploaded on 2015-10-24 by bobkad

With forests and recreational areas accounting for 25 per cent of its area, Stuttgart is one of Germany’s greenest metropolitan cities. As Stuttgart lies on the lee side of the highlands, the average hours of sunshine it sees per year are relatively considerable. The maximum amount of global radiation per month is reached in August, the least - in December. A share of 39 % of the astronomically possible sunshine is achieved in Stuttgart, a fact which is mostly due to cloudiness. Stuttgart’s climate is mild with an average annual temperature of about 10 °C in the basin of the city. Besides the Upper Rhine Valley, greater Stuttgart is one of the warmest regions in Germany. A major element of Stuttgart’s climate is the light wind. The whole Neckar Valley is known for low wind speeds and very frequent lulls. This is the result of small air pressure differences common to Southern Germany and of Stuttgart’s sheltered position between the Black Forest, the Swabian Alb, the Schurwald and the Swabian-Franconian Forest. For a number of measures are taken in order to combat the UHI in the area of Stuttgart, we can hardly experience the heat island effect in the city. Even in an ideal case if there wasn't really any UHI effect in the district of Stuttgart, the temperatures in the inner city would again have been higher than those in the surrounding rural area, for the inner city of Stuttgart is in the lower-situated Neckar valley, where it is, of course, warmer. The only evident negative outcome from the HIE in Stuttgart is the thermal stress experienced both from citizens and newly arrived students such as me. ![enter image description here][1] This image of Stuttgart centre clearly shows the high building density. The combination of narrow street canyon and low or absent wind velocity leads to low heat exchange between the buildings and the surrounding green areas. ![enter image description here][2] [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14456947827873045.jpg [2]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14456950124807064.jpg In the suburban areas of Stuttgart, such as Vaihingen, the building density is lower and the common mean of transport is the bike, which deteriorates the heat effect in the area. The main measure I would propose to the city government is creating accessible and extensive network of bicycle lanes. Up to now, there are bike parkings nearby every station of the public transport, yet independent bicycle lanes are yet to be build. The UHI effect is concerning vastly the policy making of Stuttgart. First and foremost it is the extensive roof greening. Moreover, the position between the surrounding mountain ranges leads to a frequent development of local wind systems, especially at the slopes and in the valleys. Even if these winds have no high wind speeds, they play a significant role for the local air supply in some city districts. Add to that, we can assume that the ambient air concentration of air pollutants in Stuttgart will decrease thanks to subsequent efforts in the field of air pollution control on both the local and the federal level. This is also true for the traffic sector. Even if the traffic volume continues to rise, we can expect a further decrease in traffic-related emissions as a result of newly developed car technologies, a diminished and more efficient fuel consumption and improved fuels. Sole ectricity charging stations for hybrid cars are to be seen around every corner in the inner city, which makes a great impression on the visitors. So, in conclusion, I dare say that I'm proud of the city I'm living in for its strong policy in regard of battling UHI. A casual stroll in the numerous parks of Stuttgart is always an overwhelming pleasure.