Seeing Lund Through Climate Lenses

With rain trickling down the cobblestone streets, the conditions themselves made the topic all the more tangible. Led by Titti Strömersten, chair of IM Lund’s local group, nine participants met at Lund Central Station for a so-called “climate walk” – a guided walk focusing on climate resilience*. Co-leader was Annika Thelin, project manager for IM’s role in the initiative Climate Action in South Baltic Cities goes Digital.

The group was made up of people from a variety of backgrounds – including Cajsa Andersson, a transport manager specialising in sustainable travel, and Axel Sahlin, the municipality’s cloudburst strategist. Also joining were members of IM’s local chapter, other engaged residents of Lund, and Weronika Mazurkiewicz, an architect from Poland and a partner in the project.

An App That Opens New Perspectives

A key tool during the walk was the digital app used within the project. Participants were able to record their observations – such as flooded streets, damaged infrastructure, or signs of biodiversity – contributing valuable data points for future analysis and urban planning.

After the heavy rainfall, bubbling rivulets and large puddles had formed along Lund’s main street. Axel Sahlin explained how the city’s low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

“It’s often in these low spots where damage occurs,” he said. “Water collects where several streets meet and flows into narrow passages, which increases the risk of flooding and damage to roads and buildings.”

On the town square – an open space with little greenery – participants witnessed an example of urban heat islands, where both heat and water accumulate. Axel also introduced the so-called 3-30-300 rule for urban greenery: every resident should be able to see at least three trees from their window, 30% of the urban surface should be green, and no one should live more than 300 metres from a green space. In central Lund, the city is close to meeting that goal.

Nature-Based Solutions

The group also discussed alternative ways of managing rainwater. Trees, green spaces, and permeable surfaces were highlighted as examples of nature-based solutions.

“We need to think more long-term and plan with nature, not against it,” said Weronika. “Plant a tree, build insect hotels, collect rainwater in your home. Small steps can make a big difference.”

She also noted that Polish legislation requires property owners to manage the rainwater from their roofs themselves – it may not be directed into the public sewage system.

At the same time, the group highlighted the importance of balancing different needs. Cobblestones may allow water to seep through more easily than asphalt, but they also make mobility more difficult for cyclists, wheelchair users and older people using walkers.

International Cooperation for the Climate

In response to the climate crisis, IM has joined an inspiring project in collaboration with partners in Poland and Lithuania. The EU-funded initiative Climate Action in South Baltic Cities goes Digital aims to empower young people engaged in climate issues to act on climate adaptation and transformation in the Baltic Sea region.

Running from September 2024 to March 2026, the project is led by Gdańsk University of Technology in Poland, in partnership with the Baltic Institute for Regional Affairs and the Lighthouse Digital Innovation Centre in Lithuania. IM contributes its expertise in rights-based work and its commitment to a just and sustainable world.

The walk concluded with a warming vegetarian lunch at the Museum of Sketches, where discussions continued over food. Many participants expressed that they had gained new perspectives – on Lund itself and on how climate issues intersect with everyday life. The app helped them view the city with fresh eyes, record observations, and reflect on details they might otherwise have overlooked.

A day of learning and inspiration – and a step towards a more sustainable city.

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* Climate resilience refers to the ability to withstand and adapt to climate change – such as increased rainfall, heatwaves, or flooding – without causing serious harm to people, communities, or nature. A climate-resilient society is one that is well prepared, can manage disruptions, and recover from climate-related challenges. This can include planting more trees to reduce heat, designing streets that can cope with cloudbursts, and ensuring everyone – especially the most vulnerable – can adapt when the climate changes.

Text: Vildana Hodzic and Malin Kihlström

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