Finland - Tampere

Tampere adapts to changing surface runoff to support future spatial planning

Tampere is located between two lakes, Lake Näsijärvi and Lake Pyhäjärvi. The level of Lake Näsijärvi is 17 metres higher than Lake Pyhäjärvi. The lakes are separated by an 80 metre high ridge called Pyynikin-Epilänharju.

Knowledge of Pyynikin-Epiläharju’s geological structure and the level of groundwater is important in understanding the risks posed by climate change.

The findings of geotechnical surveys were transformed into maps of geological layers and groundwater level as well as a 3D model of the study area. Surface runoff and artesian groundwater were identified as factors that can negatively affect the ground stability of the ridge. With climate change leading potentially to more intense rainfall and more variable groundwater levels, these factors have to be taken into account for safe development of the area.

Urban planners, municipal and state environmental experts and local water works were involved in the identification of risks and development of adaptation options.

Stakeholder seminars and workshops were held in Tampere in April and October 2011. The results were presented in public urban planning sessions on ongoing detailed planning processes in the study area. These sessions marked the starting point for broad cooperation on adaption to climate change in the city of Tampere.

Workshop: Climate change adaptation options in city planning, case Pyynikki-Epilä esker, 18^th of October 2011, Tampere, Finland

Stakeholder seminar in the City of Tampere, April 27th, 2011