The City of Tampere has commissioned a vulnerability analysis, published in January 2024, to assess the impact of climate change risks on the vulnerability of Tampere society. It is based on the previously conducted study “Climate change preparedness and adaptation”, which summarises the current state of climate change adaptation and preparedness in the City of Tampere.
The vulnerability analysis has identified vulnerable groups such as young children, elderly people and people with generally reduced functional capacity or mobility, low-income people, linguistic minorities and homeless people. In addition, climatic risks have been identified, such as extreme temperature variations and an increase in rainfall and heavy rains.
Refresher
FUSILLI focuses on achieving an integrated and safe holistic transition towards healthy, sustainable, safe, inclusive and cost-effective food systems. The project has also focused on the challenges of climate change for food production and adaptation.
The analysis has resulted in proposals for action and further research to take the issue forward.
Impact on local food production
Tampere’s local food production is currently quite small. In addition to suitable growing conditions for food producers, important factors for a successful harvest are a trouble-free environment, the condition of the infrastructure and the availability of energy. If consumption is cut back, for example because of increased costs, local food producers could also become a vulnerable group.
The analysis concludes that, based on the interviews, farmers are well aware of climate change preparedness and adaptation measures through information sharing and various projects. Rising temperatures, lack of frost, more waterlogged soils and poorer road conditions are creating a need for lighter equipment. New irrigation systems and new and more expensive seed varieties adapted to the changing conditions will also require investment. Insurance is also used to cover risk phenomena. Insect pests of various kinds are also expected to increase in the future. In addition, there is a need to be better prepared for invasive species.
The analysis also mentions that the number of professional fishermen in Tampere is small but on the other hand important part in producing local food.
Vulnerable groups and the challenges of food production
Extreme heat and cold, heavy rains, floods, and storms will affect also the lives of vulnerable groups in the future. The adaptation work of the city of Tampere should therefore take greater account of the social dimensions of adaptation, such as vulnerability, physical and mental health and household preparedness.
The FUSILLI project has encouraged people to take up urban farming. Cultivation can take place in the garden, on the balcony or as part of a larger community.
The urban center is most likely to be a social, technical and economic concentration of multiple climate risks. In the future, it would therefore be useful to increase small-scale cultivation and preparedness in the city center as well. In spring 2024, the FUSILLI project has therefore organized a free urban farming course open to all, in cooperation with the City of Tampere’s Carbon Neutral Actions development programme, the Tampere 4H Association, the Pirkanmaa Martat association and the Kurpitsaliike association. At the end of the course, a community plantation was established in the yard of the Koukkuniemi old people’s home.
Author: Silva Vuopponen, Project Manager of the FUSILLI project at the City of Tampere
Photo Credits: Tampere Municipality