Vol. 68, No. 4 * Pages 182–244 * October 2023

This paper is a revision of the paper presented at the 13th Grapes and Climate Conference organized in Kőszeg. The aim is to examine the changes in the viticultural climate indices of the Sopron wine region over the last century, with particular reference to the effects of climate change. This methodology can be universally applied to any domestic wine-producing region. The choice of the Sopron wine region to be the focus area of this study is based on the fact that the vineyards surrounding Kőszeg are situated within this wine region. The study period spans from 1901 to 2022, enabling us to identify long-term climate changes and acquire a deeper comprehension of their impacts on viticulture. Such insights will better equip us to prepare for possible  challenges.

In our previous works, based on a review of domestic and foreign literature, we quantified and analyzed the evolution of the eco- or agroclimatological indicators of grapes in Northwestern Hungary. Using these experiences, we designed our investigations, which take into account long data series from 1901–2019 of meteorological stations (Budapest, Debrecen, Pécs, Szeged, Szombathely) that represent five different areas of Hungary, in order to quantify the relationship between climate change and grape growing as precisely as possible, and also with the aim of facilitating adaptation. In this work, we analyze the climatic trends that generally characterize the various areas of our country, as well as the regional characteristics; furthermore, we explore new opportunities providing more favorable growing conditions for this plant of Mediterranean origin, as well as unfavorable anomalies potentially endangering the grape.

The beginnings of grape growing in Jazygian District date back to the Turkish era. With the end of the conquest, local viticulture was revived and from the mid-18th century onwards, most of the Jazygian settlements were involved in viticulture. From 1745 onwards, administrative changes took place and the municipal councils were given the right to choose the harvesting time. These allow us to analyse the climate of a small area in the 18th century.

Climate change has an increased impact on inner city areas. The heat island effect can be mitigated by restoring the ecosystem. The use of green structures in the settlement, around and inside buildings has a positive impact. They reduce summer heat loads and provide shading, thus reducing the energy needed to operate buildings. They also reduce air pollution and retain a significant proportion of precipitation. Types and building construction solutions of green roofs and green facades are presented.