In recent months, the city of Maribor has been drawing attention to an emerging environmental concern: the transformation of its historic Glavni trg (Main Square) into a heat island. This phenomenon, where urban areas become significantly warmer than their surrounding rural environments due to human activities and infrastructure, has sparked discussions among local experts, planners, and officials about the need for sustainable urban design. The issue was highlighted once again following thermal measurements conducted by the Horticultural Society of Maribor in collaboration with the Fire Brigade of Maribor. These studies aimed to emphasize the importance of green spaces—often referred to as "green islands"—in mitigating the effects of urban heat.
The thermal measurements, which were initiated three years ago under the leadership of Borut Ambrožič, president of the Horticultural Society of Maribor and a member of the City Council's Committee for Public Health and Environment, revealed striking differences in temperature between shaded areas and surfaces such as concrete and asphalt. According to Ambrožič, mature trees play a crucial role in cooling urban spaces. An adult tree, he explained, transports approximately 500 liters of water daily, contributing significantly to reducing ambient temperatures. During hot summer months, the temperature difference between the shade of tree canopies and the surface of stone or asphalt can reach at least 20 degrees Celsius. He emphasized that these findings should be taken seriously by urban planners and decision-makers.
Ambrožič pointed out that older, larger trees with extensive canopy volumes are particularly effective in shading and cooling their surroundings. He cited the director of the Arboretum Volčji Potok, Matjaž Mastnak, whose statement supports the idea that older trees have already proven their value and must be respected and protected. Additionally, Ambrožič highlighted the importance of grassy surfaces in cooling the environment, using the example of the grassy area on Slomškov Trg (Slomškov Square). The project "Trees for the Future," led by the Arboretum Volčji Potok, aims to identify resilient and sustainable tree species suitable for future urban planting.
The thermal measurements also confirmed a gradual warming trend in the air, ground, and water surfaces within the city of Maribor. On one occasion, two locations in the city center were monitored using drones. The first location was the park on Slomškov Trg, established in 1891 and featuring notable natural heritage trees such as the ginkgo biloba and taxus baccata. These trees are marked with special plaques highlighting their dendrological significance. The second location was the Glavni Trg, historically known as the heart of the old town and recently renovated at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Glavni Trg, mentioned in written records as early as 1315, has undergone several name changes throughout history. Its current layout features a natural stone base made of granodiorite or Pohorski tonalit, which absorbs heat intensely during the summer months. As Ambrožič noted, such materials act as thermal accumulators, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night. This process contributes to the formation of urban heat islands, making areas like the Glavni Trg increasingly uncomfortable during hot weather.
The findings from the thermal measurements underscore the urgent need for urban planning strategies that incorporate more green spaces and sustainable materials. Experts argue that integrating more vegetation and using reflective surfaces could help mitigate the effects of urban heat islands. However, implementing such measures requires cooperation between local authorities, urban planners, and the community. The case of the Glavni Trg serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between preserving historical landmarks and adapting them to modern environmental challenges.
The situation in Maribor is part of a broader global trend where cities face increasing challenges related to climate change and urbanization. As temperatures rise, the need for innovative solutions becomes even more pressing. Local initiatives, such as the annual thermal measurement campaigns, aim to raise awareness and encourage proactive measures to combat urban heat islands. While the efforts of the Horticultural Society of Maribor and other organizations are commendable, they represent just one aspect of a complex issue that requires sustained attention and investment. The success of these initiatives depends largely on the willingness of policymakers and planners to prioritize environmental sustainability in urban development projects.
4 reports
Maribor24IndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 8513 days agoTwo long-time blood donors in Slovenia have reached the milestone of donating blood 100 times. Branko Ferk from Videm near Ptuj and Delija Šaćiri from Maribor were symbolically recognized at the Blood Transfusion Center of the University Medical Centre Maribor for their dedication over many years. The center emphasized the importance of regular donations, especially during the summer months when blood supplies are traditionally lower. Both donors started giving blood in their youth—Ferk in 1986 and Šaćiri during his military service—and view donation as a humanitarian act rather than for financial incentives. They also highlighted the need to encourage younger generations to start donating blood early and called for employers to support employees who donate.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on individual acts of civic engagement and public health, with no explicit political commentary or framing. It highlights the contributions of citizens to the healthcare system but does not take a stance on policy, governance, or political issues.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): Factual accuracy is high, reporting on two long-time blood donors reaching 100 donations. Objectivity is slightly lower due to some emotional language around their 'humanity' and the celebration of their achievement.
LokalecIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8013 days agoTwo blood donors, Branko Ferk and Delija Šaćiri, celebrated their 100th blood donations at the Transfusion Medicine Center in Maribor. During their donation, they were accompanied by music played on a harmonica by a friend. Both have been donating blood regularly for many years, with Ferk starting in 1986 and expressing his commitment to continue until he turns 65. Šaćiri, who first donated while in the military, emphasized the importance of having more regular donors and called on employers to provide two days off for blood donors. The center’s head, Biserka Dvoršič, noted that while current blood supplies are sufficient, there could be shortages during the summer months due to people going on vacation.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on individual acts of civic engagement and does not take a stance on any political issue. It presents the perspectives of the donors and the center's representative neutrally, without ideological framing or biased language.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): Accurately reports on the two donors and includes additional details about the musical accompaniment. Slightly less objective due to more personal quotes and emphasis on individual stories.
Maribor24IndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 857 days ago Experts have been warning for years: Maribor's Main Market is becoming a heat islandThe article discusses the increasing heat island effect in Maribor, highlighting the importance of green spaces and trees in urban areas. Horticultural Society Maribor continues its tradition of raising awareness about the role of green spaces, collaborating with fire department personnel. Thermal measurements using professional thermal cameras have consistently shown significant temperature differences between shaded areas under trees and exposed surfaces like asphalt, with differences reaching up to 20 degrees Celsius. The article emphasizes the health benefits of trees, noting their ability to provide shade and cool the environment. It also mentions the role of mature, old trees in shading and the need for scientific expertise in new planting projects. The article references specific locations, such as Slomškov Trg Park, which has historical significance and features protected tree species. The author calls for greater awareness among city planners and decision-makers regarding the environmental and health impacts of urban heat islands.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion on the environmental impact of urban heat islands, focusing on scientific findings and expert opinions without overtly promoting any political agenda. While the issue of urban planning and environmental protection is politically sensitive, the tone remains
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 85): This article discusses a different event entirely (urban heat islands and tree cooling), not related to the blood donation story. Factuality is low because it doesn't align with the other articles about the same event.
The Slovenia TimesIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 8512 days agoMannings, a Hong Kong-based pharmacy chain, has launched its 'Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines Programme' for the fourth consecutive year. The initiative partners with six community organizations to expand the number of collection points across Hong Kong to 75. From June 26 to July 23, 2026, residents can dispose of unused or expired pills at 62 Mannings pharmacies or 13 community organization sites. Collected medications will be handed to a licensed chemical waste collector for proper destruction. The program also includes a complimentary medication counseling service to educate the public on reducing pharmaceutical waste and ensuring safe medication use. Participants can access information and assistance via WhatsApp using the provided link.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual description of a public health initiative aimed at reducing pharmaceutical waste and improving medication safety. It does not take an overtly ideological stance, nor does it emphasize specific political agendas. The focus remains on the practical implementation of a co
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 85): This article covers a completely separate event (medicine disposal program in Hong Kong). It does not relate to the blood donation story, making it factually inconsistent with the others.
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