Tallinn Urban Space Festival opens information exhibition on winter urban waste
The Tallinn Urban Space Festival opened an exhibition "Winter Waste" as part of the URBREATH research project, which focuses at the snow dumping ground in the city centre and highlights the seasonal changes that accompany the melting of snow.
The exhibition draws attention not only to the litter that emerges as the snow melts, but also to URBREATH project activities.Climate change in Estonia is expected to bring more snow and rain in winter, as temperatures are higher, and the air is able to hold more moisture. This means more frequent snowfall and more snow. In winter, snow is collected from the streets and stored in large piles, which melt slowly, often until mid-summer. One of these collection areas is located next to Tallinn City Hall. As part of the URBREATH project, this area will be tested with innovative nature-based solutions that filter contaminated snowmelt water, reducing its harmful impact on the environment. The exhibition also invites people to notice the litter melting out of the snow and to think about urban pollution.
Nature-based solutions and new access to the seaside area
The URBREATH project aims to contribute to climate neutrality in European cities by using nature-based solutions. These solutions are based on natural ecosystems and use, for example, the characteristics and functions of vegetation to address some environmental problems locally. These solutions are often more cost-effective and multifunctional, providing citizens with ecosystem services in addition to solving just one problem.
Tallinn, as one of the URBREATH project pilot cities, is committed to transforming an underused seaside area into a multifunctional green space open to residents, while testing innovative solutions for cleaning up contaminated snow. The project will create a new access road to the snow mountains, linking the new tram stop to the seafront area.
The exhibition "Winter Waste" will be open throughout the project until the end of 2027 and will be continuously updated, also reflecting the activities of the URBREATH project.
Exhibition authors are Mariliis Niinemägi, Ann Kristiin Entson and Kevin Villem.