Exploring how European cities can adapt to the impacts of Climate Change and the challenges ahead

About

Climate change has numerous costly impacts on cities such as the rising sea levels, exceptionally high temperatures during the summer, and an increase in extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and storms. These effects also can have significant financial consequences.

European cities are actively seeking solutions for technology, planning, and investment in climate adaptation. Cities also play an important role in the EU Adaptation Mission, and substantial funding opportunities are available from EU funds, national resources, and organisations as the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The two-days symposium "Exploring how European cities can adapt to the impacts of climate change and the challenges ahead" focused on:

• comprehending the difficulties posed by climate change for cities,
• the leadership of cities in climate adaptation,
• technology to enhance planning processes,
• frameworks to develop a cost-effective approach to climate adaptation.

Target audience

Climate change experts and urban decision-makers, who are responsible for planning and adapting urban projects while taking into account the effects of climate change, came together at the conference to engage in discussions about the impacts of climate change and exchange best practices in terms of adaptation and building resilience.

Objectives

Participants at the event explored different facets of adapting to climate change, which helped them enhance their readiness in urban investment planning and addressing the impacts of climate change. In particular:

The first session of the conference focused on comprehending the difficulties that cities are encountering in relation to climate change. Additionally, it explored the crucial role of city leadership in climate adaptation efforts.

Moving on to Session 2, the emphasis shifted towards the use of high-quality climate data in European cities for effective public policy responses, as well as the role of climate public services such as Copernicus ECMWF and the Climate-ADAPT to support decision-makers. This included using technology for improved planning and understanding how satellite information and artificial intelligence can assist in managing physical climate risks.

The third session discussed the planning response, including incorporating new data sources into Climate Risk Assessments and the connection between adaptation and mitigation planning. It emphasized aligning assessments with sectoral strategies and prioritizing projects based on climate considerations.

The fourth session explored barriers to prioritizing adaptation within urban investment programmes, and the role of public banks such as the European Investment Bank (EIB), as well as private banks and investors, in financing adaptation in cities. It also discussed the European Commission's tools and programmes for financing and enabling adaptation and the potential benefits of an investment hub to link cities with investors, as is being developed under the EU Mission for Climate Neutral Cities.

Resources

Presentations

Session 1: Understanding the challenge

EU Missions. Adaptation to climate change. Elina Bardram, Mission Manager for the Horizon Europe Mission Adaptation, Director DG CLIMA E – Adaptation and Resilience, Communications and Stakeholder Relations European Commission.

Insights from the IPPC 6th assessment report. Mark Pelling, Professor in Risk and Disaster Reduction, University College London, and Coordinating Lead Author for IPCC Working Group on Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability

Session 2: Using technology for better planning

Sustainability at Google. Alexandra Großkurth, Geo for Environment Lead EMEA, Global Product Partnerships

Natalie Lord, Senior Climate Scientist, Fathom

Session 3: The planning response

Local climate adaptation paradoxes. João Morais Mourato, Research Fellow, Institute of Social Sciences, Lisbon University

Climate Change in Cities: Integrated Urban Planning and Sustainable Transport. Neri di Volo, Principal Advisor, JASPERS, EIB

Adaptation to climate change. Financing and delivery at the local level. Brian Field, Senior Research Fellow and Visiting Professor at the OMEGA Centre of the Bartlett School of Planning, University College London.

Session 4: Financing adaptation

Net Zero Cities. Allison Lobb, Bankers without Boundaries 

Session 5: Making it happen at the local level

Ischia - Gianluca Loffredo, Vice Commissario Ischia /Sub Commissario sisma 2016

Rotterdam - Corjan Gebraad, Strategic Advisor

Videos