DefHeat

How we are handling the effects of the climate crisis in urban landscapes and urban nature

Thursday, 8 October 2026 + Friday, 9 October 2026

Announcement

For decades, scientists and planners have been warning of the consequences of man-made climate change. And yet it seems that established findings are often ignored, whilst social and political dynamics continue to exacerbate the crisis. Under these circumstances, how can we bring about a turnaround that will ensure a future worth living for humanity, as well as an intact landscape and natural environment? Which debates need to be reignited or pursued with determination? How can we establish a constructive culture of change – one that inspires confidence and opens up opportunities for action – despite polarisation and resistance? And what can we learn from past experiences to inform future transformation processes?

The 19th Weihenstephaner Forum “DefHeat”, taking place on 8–9 October 2026, will explore these questions to mark the 70th anniversary of the Landscape Architecture and Planning degree programme at the Weihenstephan Institute for Landscape Management in Freising. Together with experts from academia, professional practice and education, we will look back at key achievements and shortcomings in open space planning and translate insights from research and planning into forward-looking visions and concrete courses of action.

Through conversations and walks together through Freising and Munich, we move through space and time. We discuss how urban landscapes and urban nature can be strengthened as key players in tackling climate change, and what responsibilities planning and design bear in this regard, both today and in the future.