GLOBE-Net, August 2, 2012 - Certain
characteristics make the urban environment particularly vulnerable
to heat, flooding and water scarcity. For example, buildings and
road surfaces store heat and prevent water from draining away,
while in times of water shortage, high population density and the
demands of industry put pressure on water sourced from the
surrounding regions.
As climate change intensifies, it will exacerbate these existing
weaknesses and pressures. Cities are home to three quarters
of the European population and are the centres of economic
activity; doing nothing to protect urban environments from
climate change will affect most people in Europe and their
livelihoods.
The report provides information intended to help policymakers at
all levels of government to reduce the vulnerability of European
cities to climate change.
It focuses on the most important impacts of climate change on
the urban environment, describes potential solutions, such as
revising building standards to cope with new conditions, and
highlights challenges and opportunities for multi-level governance.
It also points out that climate change adaptation presents an
opportunity for innovation and job creation.
According to the authors, long-term planning and commitments to
provide large financial resources are crucial.
They argue that buildings and infrastructure need significant
investment over the coming decades in order to climate-proof them
and keep them functioning. This entails incorporating climate
change adaptation concerns into building standards and retrofitting
activities, for example, ensuring that sewage systems can withstand
greater rainfall, buildings are better insulated against heat, and
transport systems can cope with higher temperatures, low
water availability or flooding.
Investment is also needed into 'green infrastructure', such as
parks, gardens, wetlands, natural areas, green roofs and trees,
which contribute to resilience under a changing climate and deliver
ecosystem services. The report states that green infrastructure in
cities can create a cooling effect and help manage floods, as well
as providing attractive areas for nature, wildlife and
recreation.
One key message from the report is that an effective framework
for adaptation to climate change depends on planning and
cooperation at all levels. While innovative adaptation projects at
the local level will be important for dealing with the impacts of
climate change, these depend on support from the highest levels of
government. Thus, the framework should encourage dialogue between
the different levels, as well as with EU citizens and private
sector organisations.
This report can be downloaded from here:
Source: Urban adaptation to climate change
in Europe. EEA Report No 2, 1-143. European
Environment Agency. (2012).