A recent initiative titled “Thermal Walks,” organized by the Justice in Space Association (MAD) together with Istanbul’s Maltepe Municipality, aims to raise awareness about the impact of heatwaves in urban areas. This project, supported by the European Union, encourages local residents to participate in scientific data collection through citizen science methods. Conducted across four neighborhoods, the walks allow participants to track temperature and humidity while experiencing firsthand the effects of extreme heat, particularly during a recent heatwave that struck the city.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Overview of the Thermal Walks Initiative |
| 2) Participants and Community Involvement |
| 3) Key Findings and Observations |
| 4) Significance of Citizen Science |
| 5) Future Plans and Data Outlook |
Overview of the Thermal Walks Initiative
The “Thermal Walks” initiative is part of a research project focusing on the dramatic effects of rising temperatures in urban environments. Started in January 2025 and set to conclude by the end of the year, the project is funded under the EU’s “Civil Participation Grant Program.” The involved organizations, particularly MAD and Maltepe Municipality, have aimed not only to gather scientific data but also to involve the local populace in the research process. The citizen science approach encourages community members to contribute to data collection, thereby making them active participants in discussions about climate resilience.
The first of several walks took place on June 28, 2025, synchronizing with a persistent heatwave that significantly affected Istanbul. Participants were equipped with tools to measure temperature and humidity at various points throughout the route, which spanned notable locations like Fatih Tarakçı Park and the İdealtepe 50th Year Grove. As reported by environmental specialists, this alignment of timing offered essential insights into the local climate crisis and the effects of heatwaves on daily living.
Participants and Community Involvement
The Küçükyalı walk drew a diverse group of participants, including MAD team members, local residents, and students from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Istanbul University. The initiative also saw involvement from graduate students across various universities, staff from Maltepe Municipality, and visiting researchers from international institutions like Erasmus University Rotterdam. These combinations not only enriched the data collection experience but also fostered a sense of community engagement and purpose.
Two core community groups were formed within this initiative: the facilitator community, composed mainly of university students, and the participant researcher community, which included residents, particularly women and seniors. These groups played vital roles in collecting observations and providing feedback, ensuring that the data reflected the realities faced by the community. The local neighborhood head, or muhtar, also participated to represent the community’s interests.
Feedback from participants has been generally positive, with many expressing appreciation for the collaborative effort between citizens and officials. However, there were mentions of the physically demanding nature of the morning walks, especially given the high-temperature conditions. The dynamic between scientific research and public participation became evident, proving that local engagement could significantly enhance policy-making related to environmental issues.
Key Findings and Observations
From the Küçükyalı route, it was noted that areas near the E-5 (D100 Highway) exhibited significantly higher temperatures compared to northern neighborhoods, highlighting urban heat islands within Istanbul. Additionally, while parks like the 50th Year Park provided essential cooling through shade and ventilation, playgrounds were found lacking necessary shaded areas, exposing children to potential heat risks.
A comparative analysis revealed similar challenges in various neighborhoods assessed, including:
- Zümrütevler: High temperatures attributed to dense construction and insufficient green spaces.
- Fındıklı: Narrow sidewalks with limited shade and exposed public transports stops posing discomfort for commuters.
- Altayçeşme: Inadequate pathways for pedestrians and a decline in mature trees due to urban renewal projects.
As such, a systemic lack of shade and greenery emerged as a pressing concern across all neighborhoods evaluated. The practical implications are dire, particularly for vulnerable populations facing health risks from extreme heat.
Significance of Citizen Science
MAD emphasizes that citizen science extends beyond merely a method for gathering data; it is a pivotal tool for empowering city residents. By involving them in environmental assessments, community members gain a voice regarding their living conditions. With the mantra “Nothing about us, without us!” resonating throughout the project, there are compelling implications for grassroots demands for policy changes. This approach strengthens community engagement, making it imperative for local governments to consider public input in planning and policies related to climate adaptation.
As specialists point out, the collaborative nature of citizen science can significantly enrich public discourse on climate resilience, encouraging local governments to form actionable solutions tailored to community needs.
Future Plans and Data Outlook
Moving forward, MAD plans to continue organizing Thermal Walks on various routes throughout the summer. Although most activities will remain concentrated in Maltepe, there are aspirations to expand these initiatives to additional districts. As stated by environmental experts, this ongoing research marks the start of much-needed dialogue about urban heat management and climate responsiveness in Istanbul.
Once the collected data is processed, it will be published on golgeleringucu.org, including comprehensive maps, reports, and thermal imagery. This transparency is expected to foster ongoing community engagement and encourage public interest in climate issues. To stay updated on progress and upcoming events, following the Justice in Space Association on social media is recommended.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | The “Thermal Walks” project aims to involve residents in data collection about urban heat. |
| 2 | Participants included university students, local residents, and officials. |
| 3 | Key issues identified include lack of shade and green spaces exacerbating heat effects. |
| 4 | Citizen science is viewed as a tool for empowerment and public engagement in policy-making. |
| 5 | Future plans will focus on expanding the project’s outreach and publishing findings to foster public awareness. |
Summary
The “Thermal Walks” initiative represents a significant step toward understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change within urban areas. Involving community members highlights the importance of citizen engagement in addressing environmental challenges. The project’s hands-on approach not only generates critical data but also fosters a collaborative environment where residents can contribute meaningfully to local climate policies. With plans for future expansions, this initiative holds promise for enhancing urban resilience and bolstering public awareness for climate action in Istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are Thermal Walks?
Thermal Walks are community-led initiatives organized to collect data on urban heat conditions, encouraging local residents to observe and measure temperature and humidity in their neighborhoods.
Question: Who participated in the Thermal Walks?
Participants included local residents, students from various universities, municipal staff, and researchers, all engaging in the data collection process to understand urban heat better.
Question: What are the goals of the Thermal Walks initiative?
The initiative aims to raise awareness about the impact of heatwaves in urban areas, encouraging community involvement in scientific data collection and fostering discussions about climate resilience strategies.
