Engaging local actors in Erzsébetváros in the work of the Hungarian LL and educating children on thermal heat

The Hungarian Living Lab focuses on the problem of urban heat islands and urban heat stress in the inner district of Budapest. The Living Lab is working on educating people on the urban heat phenomenon, the mapping of urban heat islands, and the co-development of climate services.

The LL held Two stakeholder workshops in Erzsébetváros during February and March that focused on the local experiences of heat waves, the role of information and climate services in climate adaptation, and the co-development of climate services. The goal of the workshops was to educate residents of the district about urban heat islands and to empower them to use climate services in climate adaptation. The Hungarian LL partnered with a local organization called Színes Erzsébetváros (“Colorful Erzsébetváros”) to engage more residents in the co-development process.

The Hungarian LL also participated in an educational workshop at Afréd Hajós Primary School, where children learned through a fun and engaging exploration of thermal imaging technology. During the exploration, the students investigated how different objects and materials appeared on a thermal imaging camera, and what the different colors and patterns on the camera image meant. Through this hands-on experience, they developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills and were stimulated to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Thermal imaging technology is becoming more accessible, with relatively inexpensive cameras available for mobile phones and sensor upgrades. By introducing children to technology, they can learn about the causes and sources of heat stress and its effects on their health and well-being.