A Decade of Transformation: Climate Adaptation in Dordrecht’s Wielwijk Neighborhood

A Decade of Transformation: Climate Adaptation in Dordrecht’s Wielwijk Neighborhood

The Wielwijk neighbourhood in Dordrecht has undergone a remarkable transformation since 2010, showcasing the power of climate-adaptive measures to create greener, healthier urban spaces. A new video from the Municipality of Dordrecht takes us through this journey, revealing how a once-polluted major road prone to water runoff has been rebuilt as a thriving green oasis.

This revitalised green space has not only improved the neighbourhood’s environment but also served as a hub for community engagement and citizen science. Local residents have come together for citizen science days, measuring biodiversity and monitoring the waterways to track the return of wildlife and plants to the area. The collaborative effort has deepened connections between the community and their environment, fostering a shared commitment to preserving these improvements.

The impact of Wielwijk’s green transformation goes beyond aesthetics. The municipality’s drone team conducted studies during heatwaves, capturing data on temperature changes across the neighbourhood. The results were striking: areas with dense green coverage saw surface temperatures drop from as high as 65°C to around 20°C. Key spaces like children’s playgrounds, which are now surrounded by plants, offer much safer and more comfortable environments for play, even during extreme heat.

Wielwijk’s story shows how targeted climate adaptation can create sustainable urban spaces that benefit both people and nature. Watch the video to see this inspiring transformation and learn how green infrastructure can pave the way for a more resilient future!