While countries of the EU are for some time planning and advancing green agendas for their future societal development, the detrimental anthropogenic impact on the environment and specifically climate already carries tangible consequences. Our climate is already notably changing, with approximately 1.1 °C of global average warming compared to the pre-industrial era. Climate change already affects many worldwide weather and climate extremes in every region and manifests in widespread adverse impacts and related losses and damages to nature and people.
Climate action to limit global warming to 1.5 °C is proving challenging and off track from the progress required to meet our 2030 climate targets and protect our well-being and prosperity.2 Global GHG emissions are higher today than in 2015, when most countries adopted the Paris Agreement.
Even when fully implemented, current national climate commitments are estimated to lead to roughly 2.4 °C to 2.8 °C global temperature increase by the end of the century. At the same time, approximately 3.3 to 3.6 billion people live in highly vulnerable contexts to climate change. In such a scenario, climate hazards, exposure to them and vulnerabilities of our communities and systems can correspond to massive risks and adverse impacts on people, economies, and the environment (damages, harms, economic and non-economic losses).
Hence, societies and economies in all regions need to prepare for and adapt to the arising impacts of climate change. Adaptation interventions aim to reduce risks and vulnerability at different levels (sectoral, national, or local), primarily via adjusting or transforming existing systems.
Climate Resilience For Citizens
Climate change is the defining environmental challenge of the twenty-first century. Its impacts span from the icy reaches of the North Pole to the sun-kissed landscapes of the South, affecting every corner of our planet. As temperatures rise, sea levels surge, and extreme weather events become more frequent, our homes must evolve to withstand these challenges.
Climate Resilience Tool For Communities
The goal of the Climate Resilience Tool is to foster the development of urban environments more resilient and better adapted to the consequences of the climate change. By obtaining political support, conducting comprehensive risk assessments, finding, and evaluating the best adaptation plans, implementing these plans effectively, and continuously monitoring and evaluating progress, municipalities can develop robust and sustainable strategies to combat climate change.
Innovative Funding Schemes
Climate resilience in urban areas focuses on improving the ability of cities and metropolitan areas to withstand, adapt to and recover from the impacts of climate change. Implementing measures to protect a place’s infrastructure, economic stability, social structure and environmental quality requires significant financial resources. For many small and medium-sized cities, securing the financial resources required for climate projects and investment needs is a challenge. But this financial gap “must” be closed.
Good Practices
You will find in this section good practices from all over Europe addressing the main aspects of climate resilience for communities.
