Preparing for the effects of climate change in Turku

As the climate warms, Turku is experiencing longer growing seasons, milder winters, and more frequent heatwaves. The most significant risks include sudden heavy rainfall, storms, flooding, extreme heat, and rapid changes in local nature.

Small improvements to your home and yard can make a big difference during extreme weather. Check that your roof, gutters, and drainage systems are in good shape, and learn what your home insurance covers in case of weather-related damage.

Flood risk depends on your property’s characteristics, like soil type, elevation, and how rain or meltwater flows across your land. Watch how water pools in your yard during rain and consider improving drainage if needed.

Every Turku resident should also prepare for potential power outages. A well-stocked home emergency supply (enough for 72 hours) and strong community support can make a major difference in crisis situations. Turku's local organizations play a vital role in building community resilience.

Green areas, trees, and shrubs help absorb stormwater and reduce wind damage. The city of Turku is investing in sustainable green spaces and advanced stormwater management—but property owners can help too, by adding permeable surfaces and water-absorbing plants in their yards.
 

Extended heatwaves can make homes uncomfortably warm—and even pose health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. During hot spells, the need to cool indoor spaces increases.

Here are some effective ways to keep your home cooler:

• Close curtains and blinds during the sunniest hours of the day
• Use fans, air source heat pumps, or other cooling devices
• Create a cross-breeze by opening windows in the cooler mornings and evenings

Limit the use of heat-producing appliances like saunas, ovens, and dryers during the hottest hours. Instead, opt for microwave meals or cold dishes, and spend time in the coolest rooms in your home, such as basements or shaded areas.

Greenery also helps! Trees, green roofs, and climbing plants reduce the amount of heat absorbed by buildings and pavements. Unpaved surfaces help keep surroundings cooler.
 

Urban heat island phenomenon in Turku

Heatwave days have increased, and heatwaves have lengthened in Finland over the past decades. Heat impacts densely populated cities the most, with high temperature heat islands forming in their centers. 

In Turku, temperature variations between heat islands and neighborhoods have been monitored for a long time. Information on the location and development of heat islands is crucial background knowledge for adapting to climate change.
 

Climate change and biodiversity loss go hand in hand. A diverse ecosystem can slow climate change and promote adaptation. Turku’s Biodiversity Programme (LUMO) is full of concrete ways to protect and increase biodiversity – many of which you can apply in your own backyard.

In the LUMO program, topics such as the value of meadows, dead wood, and native species are discussed. Many solutions from the program can be applied to home gardens. Could you develop your yard in a natural direction and favor species that support biodiversity? Often, these are the same species that are native to the area. Could you plant meadow plants and pollinator-friendly vegetation? What about occasionally leaving the grass uncut, not raking leaves in the autumn, or leaving felled trees and branches in the corners of your yard to delight insects and small organisms? A nature-inspired yard doesn’t require constant tidying and is often an easy-to-maintain alternative. 

A natural garden increases living space for species in an increasingly dense city and effectively supports water management. The yards of housing companies and residential areas are an essential part of the city’s ecological networks and its ability to adapt to climate change. Green yards and their diverse vegetation support urban nature's well-being, stormwater management, and the reduction of heat islands.

Not everyone has their own yard. However, there are many ways to make an impact. In addition to influencing housing companies, you can participate in efforts like combating Himalayan balsam, lupine, and other invasive species. Efforts have also been organized, for example, to restore urban streams.

The best nature or climate action is one that inspires others to act as well!