What can we do?
Climate change has arrived and is rapidly transforming our lives. To have a chance of living in a green, livable city 10 years from now, we must start transforming our environment now and adapt to the emerging new conditions.
| Mow the grass less often! Why? A healthy, longer grass habitat provides shelter for dozens of plant and animal species. It helps retain soil moisture, improves soil structure and quality, while settling dust and reducing temperature. When these areas are frequently and excessively mowed, the vegetation loses a significant portion of its green mass, the soil dries out and becomes dusty, and many largely invisible yet essential creatures—such as insects, soil dwellers, and pollinators—disappear. The habitat as a natural community ceases to exist, food sources vanish, and the system collapses. Damaged plants then divert all their energy to regeneration, leaving little capacity for growth, transpiration, and oxygen production. Short grass does not cover the soil, so sunlight quickly dries out and destroys the top layer. During warm, dry periods, excessive mowing is especially risky: plants weaken, can easily burn out completely, and leave behind lifeless, dusty soil. What to do? Instead of using a lawnmower, let’s opt for scything whenever possible—this way, we can decide how tall the grass should remain. In frequently used areas, keep the grass at ankle height. This is still comfortable for any yard activities and looks just as nice.In less frequently used sections, mowing once or twice a year is sufficient.Avoid cutting everything at once—leave „escape corridors” for wildlife. Observe how nature returns: wildflowers, butterflies, and various grass species will appear if we leave certain areas untouched. Eco-friendly grass management not only benefits wildlife but also means less work, lower costs, and healthier soil in the long run. |
| Support biodiversity! Why? Our natural environment consists of the complex coordination of millions of species—this intricate system sustains life, providing us with food, water, and clean air. Due to our urban lifestyle, we often forget how closely connected we truly are with our fellow living beings. As a result, we tend to view the buzzing, chirping, and sprawling greenery around us as mere inconveniences. These ecological systems are now on the brink of collapse, with countless species disappearing due to our unsustainable way of life. If these species vanish, the entire system may fall with them. Protecting biodiversity is not someone else’s responsibility—it directly affects the quality of human life as well. What to do? In most cases, the answer is quite simple: nothing! Fortunately, nature functions perfectly well without us, and if left undisturbed, it is usually capable of regenerating itself. So, wherever possible, mow the lawn infrequently and in patches, leave fallen leaves under trees in autumn as valuable nutrients, and avoid using chemicals in the garden! Of course, we can take a more active role by creating new habitats around us: Planting species that complement each other,Sowing wildflower seed mixes at the edge of the garden,Experimenting with a small pond to establish a real wetland environment. By doing this, we get to marvel at the breathtaking diversity of life and discover the many wonderful creatures that will appear in the area. You might encounter yarrow, various types of sage, and other wildflowers—plus, you can listen to the chirping of crickets right from your own garden. Did you know that a single native oak tree is closely connected to hundreds of different species? |
| Collect rainwater! Why? The once water-rich Plain landscape is now severely threatened by drought—our city’s immediate surroundings are officially classified as a semi-arid region. Although the annual amount of precipitation has changed little, its distribution has dramatically shifted: summers can go by without a single drop of rain, only for an entire month’s worth to pour down in just a few hours. Prolonged dryness causes the top layers of soil to completely dry out, shallow-rooted plants perish, and the soil structure deteriorates, becoming lifeless and eventually turning into desert. Water is essential not just for plants but for the entire microenvironment: it acts as a natural cooling agent, mitigating urban heat, trapping dust, and sustaining soil life. What to do? Although rain is rare, when it does fall, it pours down in large amounts. This water is a valuable resource, so we should strive to retain as much of it as possible in our gardens and around our homes. Rainwater is incredibly beneficial: it’s much better for plants than tap water and completely free. It’s also a far better alternative to a well drilled at the end of the garden, as it prevents us from depleting groundwater beneath our feet for irrigation. The simplest way to collect rainwater is by placing a container under a rain gutter or directing runoff into the deeper parts of the garden rather than letting it drain away. For a more advanced approach, we can dig a reservoir—either underground (tank) or aboveground (garden pond)—to store rainwater from the roof and garden. This allows for long-term water storage and even the creation of a small wetland habitat. Planting pond- and riverside vegetation nearby ensures the system remains balanced, as these species are adapted to alternating flooding and drought. The banks of the Tisza River are home to many such plants. |
| Create shade wherever possible! Why? Urban environments absorb far more heat than natural landscapes, as asphalt, concrete, and metal dominate the surfaces instead of vegetation. While green plants cool and purify the air under sunlight, urban surfaces simply absorb heat, reaching temperatures of 70–80°C during the day. In the evening—when other areas have already cooled down—these surfaces continue to radiate heat for hours, further warming their surroundings. As a result, summer nights in cities can be 8–10°C hotter than in nearby rural regions. This is known as the urban heat island effect. During heat waves, this phenomenon can have severe health consequences, as hot, tropical nights prevent residents from resting and recovering after daily heat stress. The bodies of children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses may struggle to cope, sometimes succumbing to extreme heat after prolonged exposure. What to do? Let’s create shade wherever possible! As mentioned earlier, vegetation is the best natural shade, as it not only protects everything beneath it from direct sunlight but also continuously cools the air through evaporation. Having a few large, mature trees around the house is ideal. If none are present, consider growing climbing plants on pergolas, terraces, railings, and walls. And, of course, plant trees so future generations can enjoy their shade. If young plants and saplings aren’t big enough yet, temporary shading solutions like sun sails and umbrellas can help reduce heat stress. It’s also important to minimize paved surfaces around the house, as every square meter of asphalt and concrete acts as a heat trap, increasing surrounding temperatures. In areas where paving is necessary, opt for permeable materials to allow rainwater infiltration and natural cooling through evaporation. |
| Plant drought-resistant species! Why? Because the climate of the city and its surroundings has completely changed over the past few decades. This change is happening at such a pace that, unfortunately, some of our familiar plant species will not be able to adapt—especially in urban areas, where survival is much harder for plants and trees. It is highly likely that we will have to prepare for prolonged dry periods, so we must choose plants that can withstand these new, hotter and drier conditions. What to do? Let’s plant drought-resistant plants! Whenever possible, we should prioritize native species, but we must also acknowledge that some indigenous plants can no longer survive under harsh urban conditions. It is worth considering Mediterranean and semi-arid species, as many plants from these regions already thrive in this climate (e.g., fig, kiwi). Which species will adapt best to Szeged’s new, shifting climate? One thing is clear: drought tolerance is the key factor, but this question remains a serious dilemma among experts. To address it, the ReGreenX project has formed a scientific working group comprising Szeged’s most respected and experienced green professionals. By sharing their expertise, they are compiling a list of recommended and high-risk plant species. Additionally, several climate-resilient model gardens are being established in Szeged’s public spaces, where researchers continuously monitor different plant species. Based on their findings, they will regularly update the list of recommended species. |
How does ReGreenX help?
To support Szeged’s greening efforts and prepare for the impacts of climate change, the EUI02-150 – ReGreenX project, co-financed by the European Union, is providing significant assistance.
Led by the Municipality of Szeged, this partnership will work over the next three years to create all necessary conditions for climate-resilient gardens and green spaces.
What can be expected from the project?
- Model gardens: Climate-resistant plants will be showcased and tested in Szeged’s public spaces—we are creating model gardens to introduce them to the community.
- Campaigns: Greening the city requires everyone’s involvement—we aim to reach as many Szeged residents as possible through awareness-raising campaigns.
- List of recommended species: We are compiling a selection of plant species that experts believe will thrive in the long term under the changing climate.
- Educational Program: Through school programs, we deliver the project’s message to children so that even the youngest can understand the significance of climate change and know what they can do to combat it.
- Plant Distribution: We distribute climate-resilient plants among the residents of Szeged, which they can plant in their own gardens.
- Expert Consultation: Researchers and green professionals provide assistance in designing and maintaining gardens.
- Citizen Science – Public Testing: We are searching for plants whose effectiveness is still uncertain. These will be tested with the involvement of the public, and data will be collected on their performance.
- Green Grants: We support the creation of climate-resilient gardens in private yards, apartment courtyards, as well as on the premises of businesses and institutions—providing grant opportunities to facilitate these initiatives.
- Pop-up Gardens: We showcase climate-resilient plants in locations where permanent gardens cannot be established—creating temporary “pop-up” gardens.
- Reference Gardens: We design garden and balcony plans specifically tailored to Szeged’s climatic conditions, which anyone can implement in their own garden or balcony.
- Garden Planning Program: We are developing a website and/or mobile application to assist Szeged residents in designing, transforming, and maintaining their gardens.
- Seed Exchange Program: We provide an opportunity for residents to exchange and share propagation materials of proven plant varieties.
- Training Programs: We organize training sessions for enthusiastic residents, entrepreneurs, and gardeners to deepen their knowledge of climate-resilient urban greening.
- Support for Plant Shops: We assist Szeged’s gardening stores in setting up dedicated sections for climate-resilient plants, making it easier for residents to access hardy species.
