Urban heat islands are the common challenge of Danube region cities. Cities and regions need to strengthen their preparedness and the adaptive capacity of the society to cope with impacts of climate change and foster resilience at local level. To address the need for effective means of evaluating and mitigating UHI effects, Be Ready partners developed a risk and vulnerability self-assessment methodology for cities. The detailed methodology is available at the project webpage. This platform presents a simplified version that can be used by diverse cities with different levels of data availability. The UHI online assessment platform aims to support local authorities and relevant actors to assess the extent of their UHI vulnerability, to be aware of their vulnerable groups, to identify opportunities for improvement in their relevant policies and practices and their adaptive capacity and preparedness. 

The methodology contains four tools:  

• Exposure of buildings and surroundings, exploring the city built-in environment, the physical aspect of the city, the urbanisation process; 
• Sensitivity of equipment and materials, dealing with the properties and conditions of surface materials;
• Vulnerable groups – understanding which groups and individuals are at greatest risk;  
• Preparedness and adaptive capacity of the city – is your city future-proofing its climate related policies and practices. 

Each tool allows for comparison with other cities, and provides access to good practices and opportunities for guidance from Be Ready project city partners.

Do not worry about the score! The aim is not to compete but to get encouraged that we all are going in the same direction and inspire each other to take targeted, context-based measures to deal with UHI in critical urban areas.