Urban adaptation in Europe

October 2024

Association Climate Chance (Climate Chance)

This EEA report provides an overview of adaptation measures implemented in European cities, covering the different types of actions and the conditions conducive to successful interventions. Drawing on existing European Environment Agency (EEA) publications, a 2022 survey of EEA member states, interviews with cities, the Covenant of Mayors and CDP databases, and studies on local climate action plans, this study examines the main types of adaptation measures adopted by European cities. It also provides some examples from outside the continent where they are relevant and replicable. It analyses the factors favourable to the implementation of these measures, with a view to informing political decision-makers and EU and local authority officials.

The report begins by examining the urban climate risks identified and the policy landscape. The types of measures examined include institutional and governance measures, economic and financial measures, physical and technological measures, nature-based solutions and ecosystem approaches, as well as knowledge and behavioural change. Rather than classifying measures according to risk, the report focuses on overall resilience. It highlights ‘opportunity areas’ for adaptation measures, where wider implementation of actions can be encouraged: urban agriculture, place-making (reclaiming urban spaces for people and communities) and cultural heritage.

Key lessons

The report starts from the observation that the continent’s cities have very diverse contexts and capacities, and are at different stages of action and preparation for adaptation.

In terms of the types of action reported, physical and technical measures are the most widely used by cities, followed by nature-based solutions and governance measures. The interconnection between the various measures is seen as an important factor in maximising effectiveness. 91% of local adaptation plans already include nature-based solutions. The report stresses the importance of combining nature-based and ecosystem-based approaches with others, in order to fully meet the adaptation needs of cities.

In terms of enabling factors, the commitment of citizens is most often mentioned, while the sustainable availability of funding and budgetary capacity are the most frequently reported obstacles. The report’s conclusions call for more effective use of knowledge and data, more comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of adaptation measures, and exchanges between peers.

Sources

www.climate-chance.org

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