Despite efforts to limit the impact of climate change, it is clear that global warming cannot be completely avoided. Rising sea levels, extreme weather phenomena with heavier rainfall and wind, more floods and more droughts will be a reality to which Europe will need to adapt.

Cities are a particular case for climate adaptation. They have a high population density, with 75% of Europe’s population living in cities. They will also have to deal with specific issues, such as urban ‘heat island’ effects and exacerbated risk of flooding due to less permeable surfaces.

While cities may have common issues, each needs to find its own strategy that takes into account many different factors: geographical situations and climatic conditions vary widely, as do the population and historical makeup of cities. The development of new neighbourhoods will also have to take into account climate adaptation.

We are well aware of the challenge. A number of our member cities already have climate adaptation strategies in place that involve relevant policies and issues, including water management, green infrastructure for climate adaptation, and many more.

We support the exchange of best practice between more advanced cities and cities that do not yet have a complete strategy. We also help coordinate adaptation strategies at different levels of government by giving cities a channel to the EU institutions.

Following input to the European Commission’s white paper on climate adaptation, we have participated in initiatives such as the European Commission’s adaptation steering group and the ClimSave FP7 stakeholder panel on climate adaptation.