Abstract: In this paper the projected future impact of climate change has been analyzed for the quality of living conditions of the European terrestrial vertebrates (amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals) in the Carpathian Basin. According to the climate scenarios, warmer and drier climatic conditions are likely to occur in the Carpathian Basin by end of this century. Simultaneous analysis of climate parameters, climate simulations and animal range datasets enables us to evaluate the vulnerability of different European species to regional warming and climate change. The spatial climate analogy technique is used to analyze the estimated rapid change of the wild animals’ habitats and their northward migration. For the reference climate data of Debrecen is considered, and three spatial analogue regions are compared. The results suggest that generally a significant decline in habitats is very likely for most of the analyzed animal groups by the end of the 21st century. The largest rate of decline is estimated for birds. However, living conditions for reptiles may improve in the future due to the warmer and drier climatic conditions, which are favourable for these species.

Keywords: spatial analogy, climate change, vertebrates species, ecology, area dynamics

Abstract: This paper aims to simulate and analyse the impact of climate change on the Hungarian wine regions using spatial layers of temperature-based bioclimatic indices. Random forest classification was used to analyse the similarities between the present and future climate of the wine regions. The model was firstly calibrated for the present period then applied for the expected future climatic conditions simulated by the RegCM3 model with A1B scenario. Results show that in the near future (2021-2050) the grapevine regions typical of the southern may expand in greater part of the country, while at the end of the century (2071-2100) only the northern part of the country shows some similarities with the present climate. Despite these results, Hungary is expected to remain amongst the regions with good quality grapevine growing conditions, but the structure of the cultivation and/or varieties should be changed.

Keywords: climate change, viticulture, wine regions, Random Forest classification

Abstract: It is important to the landscape architects to become acquainted with the results of the regional climate models so they can adapt to the warmer and more arid future climate. Modelling the potential distribution area of certain plants, which was the theme of our former research, can be a convenient method to visualize the effects of the climate change. A similar but slightly better method is modelling the Moesz-line, which gives information on distribution and usability of numerous plants simultaneously. Our aim is to display the results on maps and compare the different modelling methods (Line modelling, Distribution modelling, Isotherm modelling). The results are spectacular and meet our expectations: according to two of the three tested methods the Moesz-line will shift from South Slovakia to Central Poland in the next 60 years.

Keywords: Gusztáv Moesz, climate change, GIS, distributional range, climate shift

Abstract: Land use and valuable landscape features are such kind of elements of the landscape, which are worth to be taken into account in a landscape plan that deals with the continuous sustainable transformation of landscapes, and provides frame for management, development and protection. The ratio of land use types and landscape features can be determined as landscape values that are relevant for management, protection, or planning purposes. The article focuses on land use driven landscape changes of the last few decades in general, and in a study area in Budapest Agglomeration called Southern Buda Region. It concentrates on changing landscapes represented by land use changes and remaining landscape values with lost functions in transformed or abandoned landscapes. The statistical documentation of land use types is relevant from the end of the 19th century but surveying, inventarisation and protection of landscape values started at our department at the end of the 1970s. From that time it is obvious that the sprawling settlements endanger the existence of the valuable characteristic landscape elements of the past. This paper interprets such an analysis which concentrates on transforming character, altering landscape functions and the re-usability of landscape values of past landscapes in the pilot area.

Keywords: landscape, land use changes, landscape values, landscape elements, cellar, vineyard

Abstract: The urban heat island phenomenon is one of the greatest challenges of the present days regarding the sustainability of our cities and settlements. A great amount of research has already been completed considering the urban heat island, with a significant part of them based on the utilization of remote sensing. The results show that in the case of the densely built-up areas of Hungary the maximal intensity of the urban heat island can be experienced in the industrial areas and in the extremely densely built-up zones, while water bodies and surfaces covered by vegetation proved to be the coolest zones under all circumstances. Thus, according to the results only water and green surfaces are capable of effectively reducing the urban heat island. Firstly, urban green surfaces and water bodies must be created to become capable of decreasing the urban heat island to the maximal extent. Secondly, it is possible to maximize the rate of green and water coverage within settlements only with the tools of urban planning. Thus it is essential in the case of urban planning to implement the existing regulation tools to prevent or minimize the further intensifying of the urban heat island.

Keywords: urban heat island, urban climate, climate adaptation, urban green system

Abstract: Adaptation to climate change is increasingly becoming a priority for policy action. In April 2009, the European Commission released a White Paper outlining a proposed framework for action to reduce vulnerability and adapt to climate change (European Commission, 2009). The White Paper refers to the importance of a climate adaptation strategy and sustainability that integrates all areas of regional and municipal development including agriculture, forestry, fishery, energy, public infrastructure (incl. building, transport, energy and water supply), tourism, human, animal and plant health, water resources and ecosystem loss (including marine ecosystems and biodiversity). One of the main issues is how to and why integrating the green developments into urban policies. In this paper we show the main objectives of London's greening program, and some possible elements of the green developments in Csömör's adaptation strategy. Comparing the two examined cities there are differences according to their size, population, greening possibilities and financial backgrounds. However, it can be seen that the focus points of the adaptation strategies are more close to each other.

Keywords: climate change, sustainability, urban policy, green development

Abstract: Instrumental measurements were carried out on urban tolerant Acer, Fraxinus, and Tilia species and varieties in the Buda Arboretum (N 47°28’47.7” E 19°02’19.6”) in order to evaluate differences between their photosynthetic and gas exchange performance. Stomatal conductance, transpiration, net photosynthesis and photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) on sample leaves were measured and calculated using the LCi infrared gas analyzer (IRGA). Meanwhile the photosynthetic activity (net CO2 assimilation) of leaves showed correlation to PAR, stomatal conductance and leaf temperature, there are significant differences found between genera and species of urban trees, which suggests that their CO2 assimilation capacity differs. This influences the value of genera and species considering the urban air cleaning due to their CO2 fixation. Under the examined conditions leaves of Tilia sp. showed higher photosynthetic capacity compared to Acer or Fraxinus sp. The transpiration rate of leaves correlates to stomatal conductance and leaf temperature. The low transpiration rate of Fraxinus excelsior ‘Westhof’s Glorie’ leaves suggests more economic water use. We also found considerable differences in water use efficiency (WUE) between species and genera. Tilia sp. Acer platanoides and Fraxinus excelsior ‘Westhof’s Glorie’ showed higher WUE compared to Acer negundo.

Keywords: CO2 fixation, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, water use efficiency, urban trees