Jūrmala (Latvia)
Jūrmala is a coastal city in Latvia, Northern Europe (EU Boreal region), located along the Baltic Sea near the capital city Riga. It is one of the larger cities in Latvia in terms of population and a well-known resort city with long beaches, forests, and extensive green areas. Despite its size, Jūrmala has a relatively small and ageing permanent population, which increases sensitivity to climate-related health risks.
Key Climate Change Challenges and the Need for Adaptation
As a replicant city in the AURORA project, Jūrmala focuses on addressing key climate change impacts on public health. One of the main challenges is heavy storms, which can cause flooding and wind damage. Flooding leads to infrastructure damage, water contamination, and increased risks of water-borne diseases, while strong winds can block roads, damage property, and cause injuries and stress for residents.
Another significant issue is increasing temperatures, which contribute to dehydration, heat strokes, and the wider spread of infectious diseases. Long-term climate data show a warming trend that increases health risks, particularly during heatwaves.
Climate change in Jūrmala also affects the spread of infectious diseases, including water- and food-borne diseases (such as salmonellosis and E. coli infections), arthropod-borne diseases (such as tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease), and other climate-sensitive infections like leptospirosis.
In Jūrmala, AURORA-created innovations will be replicated. 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 receive training and tools to support informed decision-making and better protection of public health.
Klaipėda (Lithuania)
Klaipėda is a coastal city in western Lithuania, located on the Baltic Sea at the Klaipėda Strait, and is an important urban, transport, and port centre in the EU Baltic Sea region. The city has a diverse population with a significant share of older residents, making public health protection especially important in the context of climate change.
Official city websites:
Key Climate Change Challenges and the Need for Adaptation
As a replicant city in the AURORA project, Klaipėda highlights several climate-change-related health challenges. A longer growing season and increased pollen emissions are linked to rising risks of asthma, obstructive pulmonary diseases, and pneumonia. At the same time, increasing average temperatures contribute to a higher risk of Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing serious health risks, particularly for older adults and people with chronic conditions. Extreme heat increases the likelihood of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and cardiovascular complications.
Klaipėda also faces growing flooding risks, mainly caused by extreme precipitation, storms, and spring floods. Flood-prone areas include the Baltic Sea coastal zone and the Klaipėda Strait, as well as river valleys within the city. Flooding increases the likelihood of water-borne diseases, particularly intestinal infections linked to contaminated water.
According to the city’s climate change adaptation planning, these health challenges are expected to reach medium to high risk levels in the future.
In Klaipėda, AURORA-created innovation will be replicated. 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 are also provided with training and tools to support informed decision-making and better protection of public health.O
Joniškis (Lithuania)
Joniškis is a city and district in northern Lithuania, in the EU Baltic Sea region, close to the border with Latvia. As a replicant city in the AURORA project, Joniškis focuses on climate-related risks that affect public health and daily safety.
Key Climate Change Challenges and the Need for Adaptation
One of the main challenges is heavy rain, which increases flood risk. Flooding can damage infrastructure, disrupt services, and raise the likelihood of water contamination. This creates additional public health concerns, especially waterborne diseases linked to contaminated water after flood events. Another key issue is heatwaves, with alerts aimed particularly at elderly residents, local communities, and city visitors. temperatures increase risks such as dehydration and heat-related illness, and can place additional strain on health and emergency services.
Joniškis also faces seasonal tick-borne disease risk due to its many green areas and public spaces. Warmer conditions and longer active seasons can increase tick activity and exposure, making prevention, awareness, and timely alerts important for reducing health impacts. In Joniškis, AURORA-created innovation will be replicated. 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.