Organizer

The seminar series is hosted by the Institute of Building Research & Innovation as part of the project "IEA EBC Annex 97 / Task 5 Sustainable Cooling in Cities".

Each session explores a different topic and offers opportunities for discussion and know­ledge exchange.

This seminar focuses on the "Importance of Heat-Health Warning Systems and Heat-Health Action Plans for Cities and Their Residents".

Human biometeorology examines how the atmospheric environment affects people — not only long-term anthropogenic climate change, but also extreme meteorological episodes such as heat waves, and long-term structural factors such as the design of urban neighbourhoods and green spaces.

Because heat risk emerges from the interaction of atmosphere, city structure, building stock, and the people living inside it, addressing it credibly requires methods that go beyond single meteorological variables such as air temperature, and an interdisciplinary approach spanning meteorology, urban planning, public health, and emergency management.

Visit IEA EBC Annex 97 Task 5 Sustainable Cooling in Cities for more information about the project and the seminar series.

Speaker Bio

Andreas Matzarakis is Professor of Environmental Meteorology at the University of Freiburg, Germany, where he has researched the links between weather, climate, and human health for more than 30 years. Until 2024 he headed the German Weather Service's (DWD) Centre for Mhman-Biometeorological Research in Freiburg. His work focuses on human biometeorology, thermal comfort indices (PET, UTCI), heat stress assessment, urban climatology, and the health impacts of climate extremes, with applications ranging from heat-health warning systems to climate-sensitive urban planning and tourism.

Target Audience

The seminar series is open to project participants, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, students, and anyone interested in sustainable cooling, urban climate adaptation, and related topics. Participants from all disciplines and backgrounds are welcome.

Participant Information

Participation is possible via Microsoft Teams.
Please contact tabea.wonnebauer@ibri.at to register.

Tabea Wonnebauer
E-Mail: tabea.wonnebauer@ibri.at