Riga
The capital of Latvia faces increasing flood risks, with projections pointing to more severe events in the future. Some areas already experience recurring floods, leading to significant economic losses and emotional distress. Rising sea levels present a particularly serious threat.
Flood Management, Health Risks and The Need for Adaptation
Latvia's natural floodplains offer valuable flood mitigation potential, but governance remains fragmented, especially in the capital. In long term, rising flood risks threaten public health through waterborne diseases like gastroenteritis and cholera, and vector-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and dengue fever. Floods can already trigger anxiety, depression, PTSD, and can worsen access to care, and cause respiratory issues like asthma and allergies due to mould exposure.
Strengthening flood resilience in cities like Riga requires addressing fragmented governance and advancing integrated risk management approaches. Enhancing cross-sectoral coordination, improving urban planning, and ensuring access to healthcare are essential to reduce the health impacts of flooding, including disease outbreaks, mental health challenges, and service disruptions. Proactive adaptation measures are vital to protect urban communities in the face of intensifying climate-related flood risks.
How can AURORA help?
The project helps demo cities plan for climate change by testing different solutions in virtual simulations. It brings together data on health, weather, and local communities to show what works best. Local experts also get training and tools to make smart decisions that protect people’s health.
Flood Risks • Fragmented Governance • Natural Floodplains • Mental Health Impacts • Waterborne & Vector-Borne Diseases
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Tallinn
Climate change is already affecting Tallinn, not just through rising temperatures, but through extreme weather events, shifting ecosystems, and growing pressure on public health systems. While the city’s coastline is still rising, sparing it from immediate sea level rise, persistent winds and severe storms are causing dangerous water surges. Combined with more frequent floods, droughts, and seasonal shifts, the risks to water systems, buildings, and community wellbeing are growing.
Flood Management, Health Risks and The Need for Adaptation
Drinking water safety is a top concern. Lake Ülemiste, Tallinn’s main source of drinking water, is particularly vulnerable. Any contamination, whether from polluted runoff or drought-related changes, could disrupt access across entire districts. At the same time, tick-borne diseases like encephalitis and Lyme disease are increasing as milder winters extend tick activity. Parks and low-lying areas are becoming more suitable habitats, especially after flooding.
Marine water quality is also at risk. Intense rainfall and runoff activate sewer overflows, sending pollutants into the sea and threatening seafood safety. On land, mould growth in flood-prone buildings, especially in Tallinn’s Old Town and heritage wooden districts, is affecting indoor air quality and historic preservation alike.
How can AURORA help?
AURORA helps Tallinn confront these challenges through virtual simulations, flood modelling, and health-based planning. By combining local data on health, weather, infrastructure, and social vulnerability, the city can test adaptation strategies before putting them into action. Tallinn is leading the way — building a healthier, climate-ready city while protecting its people, resources, and heritage.
Storm Surges • Drinking Water Vulnerability • Marine Water Quality • Tick-Borne Disease Expansion • Heritage Building Risks
Vilnius
The capital of Lithuania is increasingly affected by shifting climate patterns, driven by both global influences and local geography. With its humid continental climate and rising annual temperatures, Vilnius faces growing variability in precipitation, temperature, and unusual weather events. Climate change poses complex risks for the city’s residents and infrastructure.
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Flood Management, Health Risks and The Need for Adaptation
Changing climate dynamics heighten health threats in the capital. Vector-borne diseases like encephalitis and Lyme disease are expected to spread with expanding tick and insect populations. Shifts in pollen distribution worsen allergy conditions. More frequent heatwaves endanger vulnerable groups, while cold spells raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Additionally, floods can cause mould-related respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies, and hinder access to healthcare facilities during emergencies.
To build resilience in the face of increasing climate pressures, it is essential to promote integrated adaptation strategies and strengthen health system preparedness. This includes identifying health vulnerabilities, improving the resilience of infrastructure, and enhancing cross-sectoral coordination to protect public well-being. These measures are vital to ensure that communities, especially in urban areas like Vilnius, are equipped to respond to the escalating impacts of climate change.
How can AURORA help?
The project helps demo cities plan for climate change by testing different solutions in virtual simulations. It brings together data on health, weather, and local communities to show what works best. Local experts also get training and tools to make smart decisions that protect people’s health.
Climate Variability • Tick-Borne Diseases • Heatwaves & Cold Spells • Allergy Intensification • Health System Preparedness
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Flood Management, Health Risks and The Need for Adaptation
In Tampere, rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves can increase health risks, especially for older adults and people with chronic illnesses. More rain and less snow may cause moisture problems in buildings, leading to mould and poor indoor air quality that can trigger asthma and other respiratory issues. Warmer weather and changing rainfall can also affect water quality, increasing the risk of infections like Campylobacter. Ticks that carry Lyme disease and encephalitis are spreading further due to milder winters. On top of this, people may face mental health effects like depression and climate anxiety, especially during long, dark winters.
To protect public health, Tampere needs to be better prepared for climate impacts by strengthening healthcare services, improving indoor environments, and tracking infectious diseases more closely. Public awareness, smart data use, and support for at-risk groups are key steps to making the city more resilient and better prepared for the future.
How can AURORA help?
The project helps demo cities plan for climate change by testing different solutions in virtual simulations. It brings together data on health, weather, and local communities to show what works best. Local experts also get training and tools to make smart decisions that protect people’s health.
Heatwaves • Indoor Air Quality • Vector-Borne Diseases • Water Quality • Mental Health
Pori
Although Finland is known for its strong social infrastructure and high-quality healthcare, it is not immune to the growing health impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns are introducing new risks – even in cooler climate areas of Southern Finland, like Pori.
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Flood Management, Health Risks and The Need for Adaptation
Prolonged heat waves, though less common than in other regions, pose risks for older adults and people with chronic conditions. Wetter winters and more rainfall may lead to moisture damage and mould, affecting indoor air quality and causing respiratory issues and asthma. Increased rainfall and rising sea levels also heighten the flood risk along the Kokemäki River, which can lead to significant structural damage, harmful indoor air quality issues, and even disruptions in the availability of healthcare services during crisis situations.
Changing precipitation and warmer waters increase the risk of waterborne infections such as Campylobacter and Cryptosporidium. Vector-borne diseases, including Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis, are also spreading due to milder winters. Climate change can further impact mental health, contributing to depression, winter-related mood disorders, and climate anxiety. Vulnerable groups—including children, youth, and indigenous Sámi communities – may face disproportionate impacts, especially in sectors affected by environmental stress.
To protect public health in the face of climate change, Pori must strengthen its climate resilience through proactive adaptation. This includes preparing the healthcare system for extreme weather events, improving indoor air quality in response to increased moisture, monitoring the spread of infectious diseases, and addressing the mental health effects of a changing climate. Public awareness, data-driven decision-making, and inclusive support for vulnerable groups – such as children, the elderly, and indigenous communities – are all critical for building a healthy, climate-resilient future.
How can AURORA help?
The project helps demo cities plan for climate change by testing different solutions in virtual simulations. It brings together data on health, weather, and local communities to show what works best. Local experts also get training and tools to make smart decisions that protect people’s health.
Flood Risk • Moisture Damage • Waterborne Infections • Vector-Borne Diseases • Vulnerable Groups