In Central Finland, the effects of climate change are already visible. Winters are getting milder, spring starts earlier and heatwaves are becoming more demanding. Heavy rainfall and flooding stormwater affect urban environments and business operations.
From data to preparedness
To respond to these challenges, Jyväskylä has developed more precise, location-specific data on climate impacts and is using it to guide preparedness and adaptation. A key element of this is the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s new report Climate change in Central Finland. The report examines the current state, observed changes and the projected development of the climate in the region throughout the current century. The report makes use of advanced data and modelling tools, such as the storyline simulations on Destination Earth platform.
Data-driven practices have also been integrated into urban planning through the use of Scalgo Live software. The tool has been used to analyse catchment areas, identify surface runoff routes for stormwater, and assess flood risk locations under different rainfall scenarios. It also enables the modelling of solutions that reduce flooding impacts, such as stormwater retention basins and other delay structures.
To build a comprehensive understanding of climate risks, Jyväskylä carried out a city-wide climate risk analysis through a series of co-creation workshops. These workshops brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including authorities, business representatives, city officials and residents, enabling the integration of both technical data and local knowledge. Based on the results of this analysis, the Seppälä commercial area was selected as the pilot site for a more detailed climate adaptation plan, allowing the city to assess practical solutions in a real urban context.
Case example: Seppälä commercial area
The selected pilot area, Seppälä, is a major commercial and industrial district characterised by extensive impervious surfaces and limited green infrastructure. This makes the area particularly vulnerable to stormwater flooding and urban heat.
To address these risks, a tailored adaptation plan is being developed in close cooperation with local stakeholders. The measures suggest both city-level and property-level actions, including increasing permeable surfaces, improving stormwater management, adding urban greenery and shading, and preparing for extreme weather events. These solutions not only reduce climate risks but also improve the quality and attractiveness of the area.
Alongside the adaptation planning process, applications of a green factor method are studied to improve the quantity and quality of greenery at the plot level. The study emphasises multifunctional solutions that deliver multiple benefits – such as stormwater management, cooling and biodiversity – while supporting practical implementation in a commercial environment. Close cooperation with property-owning companies plays a key role in the work, ensuring that the proposed measures are both feasible and aligned with the needs of local businesses.
On the photo: A small grassy green area with a single young spruce at the edge of a parking lot in Seppälä. The site illustrates the potential for climate adaptation measures, such as varying vegetation to improve heat resilience and shading. Photo by Milla Peuhkuri.
Collaboration as a key to resilience
A central lesson from Jyväskylä is that resilience cannot be built by the city alone. Climate risks and solutions are shared across actors, especially in areas as Seppälä that are dominated by private ownership. Therefore, the project emphasises collaboration, co-creation and clear communication. Workshops and targeted guidance support businesses, private owners and city planners to identify risks and implementing effective measures.
By integrating data-driven tools with local collaboration, Jyväskylä is strengthening its capacity to anticipate, adapt to and recover from climate impacts. The project demonstrates that resilience is not only about understanding risks, but about enabling concrete, shared action that supports both the urban environment and local businesses.
Author: Eevi Koskela, Project Coordinator for the Tools and innovations of climate change adaptation in data-based urban planning project.