Spuren des Klimawandels in Linz | Innovationshauptplatz of the City of Linz

// Traces of climate change in Linz

Come with us on a journey through time! In the last 150 years, the global climate crisis has already left clear traces in the city of Linz. Climate consequences and other developments become visible in the photo project of the climate office and the archive of Linz.

Tip on the desktop: Just move the mouse over the pictures! - In the mobilen view: Click on the image once to see the representation today!

Danube in Winter 1985/2017

Between 1971-2000 there were around 36 ice days in Upper Austria on which the air temperature remained below 0°C. By 2050, due to climate change, there will only be 25 days on average. Natural phenomena such as the glaciation of the Danube are therefore unlikely to be marvelled at again in the near future.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & City of Linz, Dworschak

Hessenplatz 1905/2012

Sealings and dense building development are causing urban heat islands to form in Linz due to climate change. Elderly and sick people as well as children are particularly affected by heat. Green spaces, such as Hessenplatz, are particularly important as places to cool down and must be preserved in the long term.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & City of Linz, Pertlwieser

Industry 1955/2022

The European steel industry is investing in new technologies due to the climate crisis. The most modern and world's largest electrolysis plant for steel from green hydrogen is located in Linz. This could reduce CO2 emissions from voestalpine by about 1/3 by 2035.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & voestalpine

Main square market 1930/2017

Linz's food markets offer regional, seasonal products of the best quality. Those who regularly visit weekly markets not only support local direct marketers. Short distances and regional shopping have a particularly positive effect on the personal CO2 balance.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & City of Linz, Dworschak

Main square market 1930/2021

Linz's food markets offer regional, seasonal products of the best quality. Those who regularly visit weekly markets not only support local direct marketers. Short distances and regional shopping have a particularly positive effect on the personal CO2 balance.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & City of Linz, Dworschak

Main square market 1936/2017

Linz's food markets offer regional, seasonal products of the best quality. Those who regularly visit weekly markets not only support local direct marketers. Short distances and regional shopping have a particularly positive effect on the personal CO2 balance.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & City of Linz, Dworschak

Main square cars 1970/2020

The (e-)car sharing service of Linz AG Linien is located at the main square. Compared to combustion engines, electric motors cause 67-79% less emissions per kilometre driven. In terms of life cycle, the energy consumption of electric vehicles is about 2/3 lower.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & frameworkers

Bindermichl Spallerhof 1965/2020

According to the Linz urban climate analysis, the Bindermichl Spallerhof area is exposed to a moderate risk of overheating. Trees and green spaces contribute significantly to cooling and a high quality of life.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & City of Linz, Pertlwieser

Winter Harbour 1929/2017

Between 1971-2000, there were about 36 ice days in Upper Austria on which the air temperature remained below 0°C. By 2050, due to climate change, there will only be 25 days on average. Natural phenomena such as the icing of the winter harbour are therefore unlikely to be marvelled at again in the near future.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & City of Linz, Dworschak

Winter service 1931/2021

When snow falls in Linz despite of climate change, the streets have to be cleared of it. The snow removal service has changed fundamentally since then, from horse-drawn carts to high-tech vehicles.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & City of Linz, Dworschak

Winter sports Pöstlingberg 1941/2009

In the last 60 years, the number of days with snow cover at low altitudes in Austria has decreased by over 50%. The days when hundreds of Linzers declared the Pöstlingberg a ski resort are now a thing of the past due to climate change.

Picture source: Archive of Linz

Ice skating 1956/2021

Outdoor ice skating will also become increasingly difficult in Linz due to global warming. Indoor ice rinks, such as the Donaupark, can be seen as an adaptation to ice-free winters. They ensure winter sports and varied leisure activities.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & Linz AG

City palms 1903/2020

Warmer winters are changing the animal and plant world in Linz and the surrounding area, such as in Luftenberg. The East Asian hemp palm from the Mediterranean region and other exotic plants are coping way better on their own due to climate change and no longer need to be protected from frost.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & City of Linz, Schrot

Flood 1954/2013

Central and north-western Europe will experience more floods in the future due to the climate crisis. Trained emergency forces and mobile flood protection walls are therefore indispensable. They protect people and infrastructure in Linz.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & City of Linz, GMT

Flood 1954/2013

Central and north-western Europe will experience more floods in the future due to the climate crisis. Trained emergency forces and mobile flood protection walls are therefore indispensable.
They protect people and infrastructure in Linz.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & City of Linz, GMT

Flood 1954/2002

Central and north-western Europe will experience more floods in the future due to the climate crisis. Trained emergency forces and mobile flood protection walls are therefore indispensable.
They protect people and infrastructure in Linz.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & Fire Department of Linz

Christmas market 1974/2018

A ZAMG study shows that the chances of a white Christmas in the provincial capitals halved between 1951 and 1982. 2010 was the last white Christmas in Linz. Due to climate change, Frau Holle will visit Linz's Christmas markets less often or not at all in the future.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & City of Linz, Dworschak

Christmas market 1974/2021

A ZAMG study shows that the chances of a white Christmas in the provincial capitals halved between 1951 and 1982. 2010 was the last white Christmas in Linz. Due to climate change, Frau Holle will visit Linz's Christmas markets less often or not at all in the future.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & City of Linz, Dworschak

Protests 1986/2019

Back then anti-nuclear, acid rain or the hole in the ozone layer, now people are demonstrating against plastic pollution and for more climate protection. The climate crisis threatens the future of millions of young people, and since 2019 there have been Fridays For Future protests in Linz.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & Fridays for Future Linz

Protests 1989/2019

Back then anti-nuclear, acid rain or the hole in the ozone layer, now people are demonstrating against plastic pollution and for more climate protection. The climate crisis threatens the future of millions of young people, and since 2019 there have been Fridays For Future protests in Linz.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & Fridays for Future Linz

Snow on the main square 1989/2021

Since there was no snow in Linz in 1989, snow was brought into the city to the delight of the children. If the fossil fuel path is followed and far-reaching climate protection fails to materialise, snow will disappear at lower altitudes by the end of the 21st century.

Picture sources: Archive of Linz & City of Linz, Dworschak