HeLiCC

The programme area faces a common challenge: global warming, which equally affects both the Slovenian (SI) and Austrian (AT) sides due to very similar environmental, urban, and rural conditions. Cities such as Maribor, Ljubljana, Murska Sobota, Graz, Villach, and Klagenfurt experience comparable impacts from climate change, including heatwaves, storms, prolonged pollen seasons, elevated particulate matter levels, and extreme weather events.

The overarching goal of the HeLiCC project is to strengthen the resilience of citizens in the cross-border region to the health-related impacts of climate change and to promote environmentally and health-conscious behaviour. To achieve this, the project will collect and analyse environmental (e.g., temperature, pollen load), health-related (e.g., physical and psychological well-being), and individual (e.g., age, independence, mobility) data. This data forms the basis for evidence-based, personalised recommendations to support behaviour change and adaptation.

In detail the project idea is based on several pillars:

1. Monitoring of climate and health data: in the program area, climate data like temperature, precipitation, air pollution, pollen load will be gathered from existing sources (e.g. ZAMG). Additionally, personal health related and mobility (GPS) data will be gathered. This data includes different factors of physical and psycho-social wellbeing.
2. The HeLiCC-App will be developed that provides tailored advices for behavior in respect of environmental factors gibt. For that, an AI (artificial intelligence) algorithm will be developed, showing in which conditions the personal health is best in respect to environmental factors. Advices or even restrictions will be provided to the users aiming to change the behavior sustainably. or example, when to do what kind of activities or when to walk /use a bike or better use public transport.
3. In this App Healthy Zones (like parks, nature) will be included that are identified and analyzed in the program area that can help to reduce the effects of environmental change on people. In the selection of these Healthy Zones, a focus will be laid on the accessibility and transnational information about the zones that can be used by both, Slovenians and Austrians. This is especially important for people who work or study in or travel to the respective neighbor country.
4. TheHeLiCC-Roadshow will be a mobile awareness campaign consisting of lightweigt mobile units (e.g. a tent, cargo bike) and interactive tools (e.g. VR glasses, serious games, etc.) that will be acquired to distribute awareness building measures. The Roadshow will be used to raise awareness in the society by offering information about health in the context of climate change. These measures will contribute to increase the resilience of citizens of the cross-border regions to the effects of climate change on health and increase the awareness of climate change. The target group of the Roadshow will be all citizens in the programme region, as the Roadshow will be set up at public places. This Roadshow will furthermore be used to promote the HeLiCC App and inform about the Healthy Zones.

The Innovation lies in the integrated use of environmental and personal health data, the application of AI to generate individualised advice for healthy behavior in the context of climate change, and the mobile and inclusive approach to public engagement via the Roadshow (with different tools like VR simulations, games,…). All outputs are co-developed and piloted in both countries, ensuring usability and adaptability across the programme region.

Cross-border cooperation is essential, as Austria and Slovenia face similar climate-induced health risks. The project will generate shared solutions:

• A bilingual app, usable on both sides of the border.
• Cross-border Healthy Zones for vulnerable populations.
• A jointly developed and implemented Roadshow that builds on good practices from both countries.

HeLiCC offers a holistic, citizen-centred approach to climate adaptation, contributing to a healthier, more resilient cross-border region.