Climate Change
Our climate is changing: longer periods without precipitation, more and more heavy rainfall, more violent storms - also in summer and more days with tropical temperatures. We want to make Gemert-Bakel resilient to the changing climate, or climate proof. Consider, for example, the creation of more greenery, extra space for water and the storage of rainwater so that it is available during periods of drought. It is impossible to prevent severe severe severe weather, such as in May 2019. Still, it is important for everyone to participate. Together we can limit the effects of climate change as much as possible. In this way, together we will make Gemert-Bakel irresistible.
What can you do?
Climate-proofing your garden
- Take out the tiles, put in greenery!
- If you do put down some tiles, choose tiles that allow water to pass through
- Plant more flowers, shrubs and trees and grow fruits and vegetables
- Put up a green yard fence
- Choose a sloping, rather than a flat garden
- Create shade with a parasol or sunshade
- Disconnect rainwater from the sewer and collect it in a rain barrel at the downspout
- Construct a pond
Climate-proofing your home
- Choose a green facade or green roof
- Provide shade on facade and windows
- Widen gutters and keep them clean
- If you build a house, make sure the house is higher than the garden
- Provide more insulation in the home
Incentive schemes
The municipality has an incentive scheme for disconnecting rainwater and installing a green roof. You may be able to take advantage of this.
- Incentive contribution 'Disconnecting rainwater'
- Incentive contribution 'Construction of green roofs'
Do you qualify for one of these incentive grants? Then in almost all cases you also meet the subsidy conditions of the water board. For more information about climate proofing subsidies, visit the website of the Water Board Aa and Maas(external link).
What do we do together?
Climate dialogues
The road to a climate-proof Gemert-Bakel must be taken together. That is why we will enter into discussions and organize climate dialogues with businesses, residents, social and health organizations in the fall of 2020. During these dialogues we will discuss the results of the stress test and the consequences of extreme weather. In addition, we consider measures to reduce vulnerabilities. The information and ideas we gather during the climate dialogues are developed into action points for an implementation plan. Other municipalities, such as our neighboring municipalities in the Peel, also make such a local implementation agenda. On this basis, the province of North Brabant will draw up a regional implementation agenda (see below).
What does the congregation do?
Climate stress tests
The national government requires municipalities to be climate-proof by 2050. It has therefore been agreed nationally that all municipalities, water boards and provinces will conduct so-called stress tests in their areas. A stress test simulates the "stress" of extreme weather using mathematical models, satellite images and other data. In 2019, for Gemert-Bakel, in cooperation with the Peel municipalities, we examined which weak spots in our municipality play a role in the occurrence of heat stress, drought, flooding and flooding.
Thanks to the stress test, we know what consequences of extreme weather we can expect in Gemert-Bakel. For example, water in the streets will occur more often. On the one hand because more water falls in a shorter period, on the other hand because we have a lot of paving in Gemert-Bakel. Also, in some situations the water can enter houses. The brooks in Gemert-Bakel may overflow their banks but also become dry more often due to longer periods of drought.
When it comes to heat, we go from 7 (now in 2019) to more than 18 days where temperatures rise above 30ºC. The number of tropical nights above 20ºC, is also on the rise. The heat is causing heat stress in the city center as well as in all business parks in Gemert-Bakel. The extreme heat and prolonged periods without precipitation are also causing drought. In urban areas trees in paved areas are particularly affected and small ponds will increasingly fall dry; in the countryside our (agricultural) entrepreneurs are affected because this can lead to loss of crops.
Regional implementation agenda
To give a picture of the kinds of projects that the Peel municipalities (Helmond, Deurne, Laarbeek, Gemert-Bakel, Asten and Someren), water board Aa and Maas and drinking water company Brabant Water are carrying out, an implementation agenda for climate adaptation 2021-2027(external link). This contains a selection of a much larger number of projects to make the Brabantse Peel climate-proof. Some of these projects receive a subsidy from the state, such as the Borretstraat and Jan van Amstelstraat in the Presidentenbuurt in Gemert. The regional implementation agenda consists of a description of the national and regional policy for climate adaptation and a description of the 21 selected projects.
Articles related to sustainability
Historical Parade
On April 18, 2027, the Boerenbondsmuseum Gemert plans to organize the “Historical Parade” event. An application for this was submitted on September 22, 2026.
Raising children isn’t something you do alone
This week, October 26 through November 1, is Parenting Week. The focus of this week is on fostering connections, finding inspiration, and sharing experiences among parents, caregivers, professionals, and children regarding parenting topics. In Gemert-Bakel, we’re reaching out to parents.
Even more color and biodiversity in the new Groeskuilenpark
On Monday, October 19, more than 15,000 organic flower bulbs were planted in the new Groeskuilenpark in Gemert. A varied mix of yellow and white daffodils, prairie lilies, honey garlic, irises, and various types of ornamental onions was chosen. These are profusely flowering varieties that are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other insects.
Heksenketeltreffen 2027
On January 9 and 10, 2027, MC De Kleppenjagers plans to organize the Heksenketeltreffen 2027 event. An application for this was submitted on October 21, 2026.
CV De Peelvruuters 2027 Carnival Parade
On February 8, CV De Peelvruuters plans to organize the “CV De Peelvruuters 2027 Carnival Parade” event. A notification was submitted on October 26, 2026, and permission was granted on October 26 for this permit-exempt event.
Lantern parade
On December 12, 2026, the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Gemert plans to organize the Lantern Parade. A notification was submitted on October 20, 2026, and permission was granted on October 22, 2026, for this permit-exempt event.
Carnival Opening
On November 11, 2026, GCS De Drumknaauwers 1961 plans to organize the “Opening of Carnival” event. A notification was submitted on October 16, 2026, and permission was granted on October 22, 2026, for this permit-exempt event.
Horse Show
On September 12, 2027, the Gemert Breeding Horse Day Foundation plans to organize a horse show. A notification was submitted on September 14, 2026, and permission was granted on October 22, 2026, for this event, which does not require a permit.
Gemert-Bakel Climate Week
From Friday, October 30, through Sunday, November 8, our municipality will be focusing on the climate. During this Climate Week, we’ll be working with local organizations and schools to showcase what’s already happening in our municipality in this area. Because together, we’re preparing for the future.
Work Begins on the Redevelopment of De Smagt Sports Park in De Mortel
A few years ago, MVC and TV De Mortel came up with the idea of joining forces. Both clubs had many of the same responsibilities and relied on volunteers. By working together, these tasks can be carried out more efficiently. That is why, as of April 2026, the clubs merged into a single new club: SV De Mortel.
