Thorsten Wiechmann
Professor and Dean
Technical University Dortmund, School of Spatial Planning and Planning Theory
Biography
Since 2010 Thorsten Wiechmann is professor of spatial planning and planning theory at TU Dortmund School of Spatial Planning, Germany. Before that, he held the chair of spatial planning at TU Dresden, where he was also the director of the institute of geography. He received his Ph.D. in geography and urban planning at the University of Bonn. From 1998 until 2007 Thorsten Wiechmann was Senior Researcher at the Leibniz-Institute of Ecological and Regional Development (IOER) in Dresden. He has published more than 100 papers and coordinated research projects in more than twenty countries. These activities were focused on urban and regional development, strategic planning, demographic change, and metropolitan governance.
Rutgers Climate Bridge Keynote Presentation: The Future
Abstract
Climate change and demographic change are two megatrends that are often discussed separately without considering their complex interactions. Yet there is a close connection, because the effects of climate change result not only from climatic changes, but also from social development processes and their spatial manifestations. Tomorrow's climate will not meet today's population. Heterogeneous settlement structures and individual dispositions in a differentiated population lead to small-scale diverging sensitivities to climate change and extreme climatic events. Who is sensitive, at what time, and in what places thus becomes a central issue for spatial planning aimed at sustainable cities, good health and well-being, and reducing inequalities. Demography, along with politics, economics, culture, and education, is a key factor influencing climate impacts. The aim of this presentation is to analyze the spatial patterns of demographic change in Germany in general and in the Ruhr region in particular against the background of climate change and to highlight the resulting need for specific, small-scale adaptation strategies. Through the integrated consideration of climate signals and demographic indicators for the time periods present and future, central spatial patterns emerge for Germany: in particular, urban growth in warmer climates and shrinkage and vacancies in drier climates. In both cases, a strong change in population volume and population structure is taking place, with simultaneously growing climatic issues. This increases the need for urban structures to adapt. Against this background, planning research and planning practice should re-discuss some of their current taboos (e.g. settlement retreat) and premises (e.g. internal development before external development).
Rutgers Climate Bridge Panel 7: Vision for People
Abstract
How do we ensure fair access to resources and increase resilience across all communities? How can we prepare current and future generations to face the impacts of climate change?