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Imola: Youth and Innovation to Tackle Climate Change

20/01/2025

Imola stands as an example of adaptation and innovation in the face of climate change. Through the Cool Noons project, the city actively involves its community, focusing especially on young people, to build a more sustainable and inclusive future.

A Tradition of Green Spaces and Livability
Imola has always valued urban greenery to enhance the quality of life for its residents. The Parco delle Acque Minerali (1871), porticoes inspired by Bologna’s tradition, and tree-lined streets reflect an approach that blends nature and architecture to mitigate summer heat and make the city more livable.

Cool Noons: Data, Youth, and Participation
With Cool Noons, Imola renews this tradition through innovative strategies:
• Thermal Mapping (July 2024): Thermal cameras identified the hottest and most shaded areas, providing valuable data to design cooler and more sustainable routes.
• Surveys and Engagement (August-October 2024): Young people played a central role, sharing QR codes and collecting over 200 responses, demonstrating how the new generation is a driving force for change.
• Participatory Workshops (September-October 2024): Students, citizens, and teachers collaborated to co-design solutions. Supported by the SOS4Cities project from ARPAE Emilia-Romagna, they planned Nature-Based Solutions to improve urban well-being.

Two Routes, One Goal
The project identified two priority routes connecting the train station—Imola’s mobility hub—to the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Autodrome, a landmark of international tourism. The first route focuses on green and shaded areas, while the second integrates historical and cultural landmarks, offering a sustainable and unique experience.
Cool Noons demonstrates how young people, as future citizens and tourists, are crucial in addressing climate challenges. Discover how Imola is becoming a model of sustainability through tradition, innovation, and community participation.