Fresh Climate Knowledge for a New Generation of Urban Heat Island Dwellers

CSO: SA Stockholmi Keskkonnainstituudi Tallinna Keskus
Area: Urban Heat Islands, school education
Location: Tallinn

Type of project

The project focuses on making the often invisible health risks of urban heat islands visible by engaging high school students in hands-on climate data collection and analysis in Tallinn. By linking everyday urban heat exposure to climate change, health, and city planning, it builds climate awareness, practical skills, and community-driven solutions for adapting cities to increasing heatwaves.

Target (Disengaged)

disengaged groups are reached by connecting climate issues to everyday health and living conditions through hands-on, community-based activities and clear, relatable communication. Multilingual materials, traditional media, and youth-led outreach help engage older adults, non-Estonian-speaking communities, and young people who are usually outside climate discussions.

Science-based

a science-based approach is used by grounding all activities in existing climate research and sensor data, using validated scientific methods and international best practices, and engaging students directly in collecting and analysing real urban temperature data.

Gender

gender equality is promoted by ensuring equal access and participation for all genders, addressing gender-based differences in climate vulnerability, and using inclusive narratives and visuals that highlight climate adaptation as a shared responsibility.

Planned activities

• ≥75 high school students in 3 Tallinn schools gain hands-on, data-based knowledge of urban heat islands, climate change impacts, and adaptation by collecting, mapping, and analysing indoor and outdoor temperature data.
• Teachers in 3 schools receive reusable teaching materials and practical tools supporting the upper secondary geography curriculum (“Earth as a System”) and data-driven climate education.
• Local communities around 3 schools are reached through ≥3 urban visual campaign elements, ≥3 media features, and social media materials, increasing awareness of heatwave health risks and adaptation options.
• Youth-led evidence and proposals are presented at 1 public event (≥10 participants) and through ≥3 social media posts, engaging city officials and decision-makers in urban heat adaptation discussions.
• Tallinn city officials and planners increase their understanding of urban heat island impacts and data-informed adaptation solutions through direct interaction with students and climate experts.

Action model

• Students collect and analyse real urban temperature data, turn it into clear visual evidence, and use it to raise community awareness and inform climate-resilient city planning.