Focus group #3, pilot region Dresden, migrants

Summary

The document summarizes the findings of one of the focus groups in the pilot region Dresden, which looked at migrants’ perspectives on helping to shape a liveable city in the face of climate change.

First, the starting point is described: people with a migrant background are sometimes more severely affected by climate change, but often have fewer opportunities to contribute their interests and experiences to urban design and climate adaptation.

Global and local climate impacts are highlighted – from heat, droughts, heavy rainfall, flooding and forest fires to biodiversity loss and air pollution – with examples from the participants’ regions of origin (including Colombia, India, Nigeria and Brazil) and references to Dresden.

Possible solutions:

• Education & awareness: Target group-oriented, practical climate and environmental education that also highlights opportunities (e.g. professional) and incorporates topics such as soil health more strongly.

• Community gardens: Places for meeting, learning and sustainable practice, spread across the city; also tree planting campaigns as a climate protection measure.

• Practical tips from global experience, e.g. against heat (green roofs, sun protection, warm drinks), against flooding (large canals) and forest fires (international cooperation).

• Critical perspective: adaptation alone is not enough – the structural causes of climate change and social inequalities must be addressed, if necessary through political activism.

Opportunities for engagement:
Creating more space and opportunities for participation for migrants, incorporating knowledge and perspectives, promoting exchange and solidarity – as a basis for fair and collaborative climate adaptation.

The document is written in german.