Climate impact adaptation in Hofheim
How Hofheim is preparing for climate change
The consequences of climate change have long been felt in Hofheim: heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall and flooding are occurring more frequently and more severely and are having a major ecological, social and economic impact. In addition, processes such as soil degradation, falling groundwater levels, forest damage and changes to flora and fauna are also progressing rather slowly. A precautionary policy and municipal climate adaptation are therefore essential.
By drawing up an integrated concept for climate impact adaptation and natural climate protection, the district town of Hofheim am Taunus is preparing for the expected consequences of climate change and adapting to them in a sustainable manner.
Hofheim is adapting to climate change!
Kick-off event
The city of Hofheim is currently developing a climate adaptation concept. Anyone who wanted to find out more or contribute their own ideas was invited to the kick-off event on April 28, 2025 in the town hall. On this evening, all interested parties had the opportunity to get to know the project participants and find out about the challenges and opportunities of climate change. In addition, an interactive workshop section was used to collect already implemented and desirable adaptation measures for Hofheim.
In his welcoming address, First City Councillor Daniel Philipp made it clear that the effects of climate change will not stop at the city of Hofheim. Heat, heavy rainfall and longer periods of drought pose growing challenges for the city's infrastructure as well as the health and well-being of the population. This is why systematic climate adaptation is so important.
The climate adaptation concept will help to identify risks at an early stage, develop suitable measures and strengthen the city's resilience to climatic changes. The aim is to prepare the district town for climate change and preserve a liveable city for current and future generations.
The integrated climate adaptation concept
All information on funding
The concept is intended to anchor climate adaptation in Hofheim in the long term and serve as a planning aid and strategic decision-making basis for future measures. The focus is on developing an overall strategy for climate adaptation with special consideration of the interfaces "natural climate protection" and "strengthening biodiversity". Particular attention is paid to possible synergies and interactions with climate protection measures.
The preparation of the climate adaptation concept is funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUV) via the "Funding for measures to adapt to the consequences of climate change". The funding was initiated as part of the German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change (DAS) as one of many measures to establish integrated, sustainable climate change adaptation management at municipal level and thus strengthen self-preparedness at regional and local level.
The concept is currently in the tendering phase and is expected to be completed in spring 2026.
Further information on the topic can be found under the following links:
Climate adaptation measures
For a cooler and greener Hofheim
The well thought-out, near-natural handling of rainwater and the (re-)greening of areas are important measures that need to be taken in the short term. The preservation, upgrading and creation of new green and blue infrastructure (street trees, parks, roof and façade planting, infiltration systems, ponds and wetlands) enables, among other things, the cooling of urban air and makes an important contribution to improving the microclimate and urban climate. The creation of additional green and blue spaces creates places worth living in, which serve both to improve the quality of life and living conditions for citizens and to promote urban biodiversity.
A municipal rainwater utilization concept is currently being developed, which includes various rainwater management measures that contribute to climate adaptation and natural climate protection (including unsealing and re-greening measures and green roofs and façades). The measures to be implemented in the near future are currently still being examined.
In addition, the "Edible City of Hofheim" initiative, in collaboration with the administration, is planning to plant site-adapted and highly diverse "edible micro-forests" using the Miyawaki method (Japanese plant sociologist). Many different species of native fruit and nut trees, perennials and shrubs are planted on a small planting area of 100 square meters or more, contributing to natural climate protection and improving the quality of life in the city and promoting local biodiversity.
Health in a changing climate
How Hofheim protects the urban community in the heat
The consequences of climate change can have a negative impact on health. Heat waves, UV radiation and ground-level ozone can lead to dehydration, heat stroke and cardiovascular diseases or even become life-threatening. In order to protect the health of citizens, initial preventative measures have already been initiated at various levels. The Main-Taunus district's heat hotline, for example, warns older people free of charge of impending heatwaves and provides tips on how to protect themselves on hot days.
Read more about the Main-Taunus district's heat hotline
The town of Hofheim is also having a drinking water fountain installed in the town center (near the Ehry farm) to offer a free way to hydrate and cool off on hot days. The measure is being funded as part of the project "Limiting the negative effects of climate change in Hessian municipalities" by the Hessian Ministry of the Environment (HMUKLV).
The following stores in Hofheim's old town also offer free tap water as a refill station:
- Juwelier Hoeltke, Hauptstraße 69
- Schwanenapotheke, Alte Bleiche 4
- Edel & Süß, Krebsgasse 15
- Weltladen Hofheim, Burgstraße 16
- HOF&HEIM Conceptstore, Hauptstraße 58-60
If you have a bottle with you, you can have it refilled free of charge in stores with the Refill sticker and actively contribute to reducing plastic.
