climate
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.
- environment
EUROCITIES statement on the review of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)
Energy efficiency is a major issue in our local efforts to mitigate climate change but also in providing green jobs and addressing energy poverty. As European cities, we manage extensive portfolios of public buildings and we can also, depending on our legal authority and financial and administrative capacity, regulate, incentivise and assist with improving the energy efficiency of privately owned buildings. However, improving private buildings remains particularly challenging.
publication
publication date:
13-01-2016
- environment
Ghent becomes first signatory of New Covenant of Mayors
EUROCITIES vice president Ghent became the first signatory of the new Covenant of Mayors on Climate and Energy ahead of COP 21, and is due to be followed by Manchester by the end of the year.
news
publication date: 17-12-2015
- environment
COP 21: EUROCITIES signs the Paris Pledge for Action
EUROCITIES has signed up to the Paris Pledge for Action (L’Appel de Paris), a call to support the Paris Agreement on global warming, agreed during COP 21.
news
publication date: 16-12-2015
- environment
- knowledge society
- mobility
EUROCITIES on COP 21 – Stockholm Royal Seaport
Stockholm’s ‘Royal Seaport’ development in converting former industrial brownfield land into a ‘climate positive’ living, working and social space by 2030.
news
publication date: 11-12-2015
- environment
EUROCITIES on COP 21 – using EU funds for energy saving investments in Sofia
Despite a reduced municipal budget, Sofia is making efforts to reduce local energy consumption with the help of EU funds.
news
publication date: 11-12-2015
- environment
- mobility
EUROCITIES on COP 21 – Oslo, electric vehicle capital of the world
With 60% of emissions in Oslo coming from the transport sector, encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles is a major part of its CO2 reduction strategy.
news
publication date: 10-12-2015
- environment
Climate Chance summit for cities and other non state actors in Nantes, 26-28 September 2016
Hosted in Nantes, the first CLIMATE CHANCE summit will be held from 26 to 28 September 2016 at La Cité Nantes Events Center. This major event will bring together thousands of participants from all over the world.
event
start date: 26-09-2016 end date: 28-09-2016
- culture
- environment
EUROCITIES on COP 21 – L’Ile de Nantes
Nantes is transforming a former industrial area into a sustainable living, working and leisure environment.
news
publication date: 08-12-2015
- environment
- knowledge society
- mobility
EUROCITIES president speaks at COP 21
Johanna Rolland, mayor of Nantes and EUROCITIES president, spoke at several events during COP 21 in Paris.
news
publication date: 08-12-2015
- mobility
Join the European Cycling Challenge 2016
European cities are invited to compete in the fifth European Cycling Challenge in May 2016.
news
publication date: 08-12-2015