Rising sea levels as a result of melting ice caps, rising temperatures around the world, and the progressive increase in the frequency of floods are causing Europe to start taking the issue of climate change very seriously. climate changeConcern over the consequences of this phenomenon has led cities across the continent to adopt significant measures to adapt to new climate realities.
Although climate change has been excluded from the G20 thanks to Donald Trump, In the Old Continent there are eleven European municipalities that the European Environment Agency has identified as good examples of adaptation. to this problem that sooner or later will end up affecting us all. These municipalities are: Bilbao (Spain), Lisbon, Portugal), Copenhagen (Denmark), Hamburg (Germany), Ghent (Belgium), Malmo (Sweden), Bratislava (Slovakia), Smolyan (Bulgaria), Paris (France), Amsterdam (Netherlands) y Bologna (Italy).
Among the measures these municipalities are adopting are:
- Construction of structures that protect against floods, such as dikes and coastal barriers, which limit the impact of rising sea levels.
- Establishment of water tanks to manage drainage and rainwater harvesting, helping to prevent urban flooding during intense storms.
- Naturalization of cities, by introducing natural elements such as rooftop plants, creating community gardens, and planting trees, which not only improve air quality but also provide shade and reduce urban temperatures.
In addition, innovative projects are being carried out that seek to integrate sustainability and climate adaptation into urban design. For example, in the specific part of Bilbao, a new flood-proof neighborhood is going to be built called zorrotzaurreThis district will be located on an artificial peninsula, connected to the mainland by a bridge. Citizens will feel safe, as a large barrier will be installed to protect them from flooding. The measures don't end at Zorrotzaurre; the ground level of the buildings will be raised and new green spaces will be created to mitigate extreme heat and increase local biodiversity. To learn more about the challenges facing the Mediterranean due to climate change, you can consult this article.
On the other hand, in Copenhagen, a specific plan has been designed to raise the floors at the entrances and facilities of the new metro, and where possible, at the old one. This type of initiative demonstrates how climate change adaptation policies can be implemented in existing infrastructure, ensuring that cities become more resilient. For example, initiatives such as the investment in green infrastructure are crucial to mitigating these effects.
But the challenge of climate change is not limited to European cities alone. European Green Deal, announced in December 2019, represents the Commission's plan for a sustainable transition. Its objectives include making the EU climate-neutral by 2050, protecting human, animal, and plant life by reducing pollution, helping companies become world leaders in clean products and technologies, and ensuring a fair and inclusive transition. To better understand the relationship between climate change and policy actions, you can review reports on the effects of climate change in Germany.
Furthermore, the European Environment Agency (EEA) will publish in March 2024 a climate risk assessment, which will help identify policy priorities for climate change adaptation in Europe. Europe is experiencing the fastest warming continent, and the 36 climate risks identified as most significant threaten energy and food security, ecosystems, infrastructure, water resources, financial stability, and human health. If you'd like to delve deeper into the effects of climate change on Europe's flora and fauna, check out This studio.
Certain regions of Europe are at the center of multiple climate risks. For example, southern Europe faces significant threats from forest fires, as well as the impact of heat and water scarcity. Moreover, coastal areas, which are particularly vulnerable, are being affected by flooding, erosion, and salinization. The crisis in these places can also be observed in Cities that could disappear due to global warming.
La new Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (COM/2021/82 final), published by the European Commission in 2021, seeks to prepare the 27 Member States to face the inevitable effects of climate change. This strategy is an evolution of the previous 2013 strategy and aims not only to understand the risks but also to develop practical solutions. It emphasizes the importance of smarter, faster, and more systemic adaptive capacity. This requires robust data and risk assessment tools accessible to all states.
Climate change will have repercussions at all levels of society and in all sectors of the economy, which means that adaptation actions must be systemic. A collaborative approach that integrates adaptation into fiscal policy, as well as nature-based solutions, is crucial to fostering effective adaptation. This can be seen in the importance of understanding the differences between climate change and global warming.
Cities play a crucial role in the fight against climate change. The implementation of climate action plans It is essential to mitigate the consequences of this phenomenon. A study was conducted that analyzed 885 cities in the European Union, of which 66% have a mitigation plan, while 26% only present adaptation plans. Sixteen percent have plans that integrate joint mitigation and adaptation measures. However, 16% of cities still do not have any type of plan in this regard.
Adaptation actions in this area may include:
- Construction of green infrastructure that absorbs rainwater and reduces flooding.
- Implementation of green roofs that not only add aesthetics but also improve insulation and reduce energy use.
- Development of sustainable public transport networks that reduce carbon emissions.
- Promoting urban agriculture, allowing communities to grow their own food, could also help reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.
The impact of these measures not only improves the resilience of cities but also contributes to the overall well-being of residents, promoting a healthier and more sustainable environment. For more information on how urban agriculture plays a role in climate change mitigation, please visit this article.
In terms of , climate change adaptation and mitigation policies require strong support. The European Union has established the LIFE program, which has a budget for projects that improve adaptation to the effects of the climate crisis. This program emphasizes biodiversity conservation and environmental improvement. It is also important to understand how the plant adaptation to climate change can influence agriculture and food security.
Another relevant aspect is the commitment of all levels of government to climate change adaptation. Collaboration between local, regional, and national governments is essential to implement effective measures and ensure that decisions are based on reliable data. The collection and analysis of climate change information not only helps understand the risks but also provides the necessary foundation for planning and implementing adaptation measures. In this regard, reviewing how other factors, such as fires, impact people's health is essential, something that is well documented in the field of climate change. health during pregnancy.
International action is also a fundamental component in the fight against climate change. Interactions between countries and organizations are crucial for sharing technologies, knowledge, and resources. The EU is promoting subnational, national, and regional approaches to adaptation, focusing on the most vulnerable areas, such as Africa and small island developing states.
La adaptation to climate change It is an ongoing process that requires coordinated and systematic efforts to be truly effective. The measures taken today will not only affect the present, but also the future of our ecosystems and communities. Every action counts in building a more resilient environment that can meet the challenges that are already here and those to come.
The reality is that climate change is already impacting the lives of millions of people, and extreme weather events are expected to increase in frequency and intensity. Cities, as centers of population and economic activity, must be prepared to face these challenges, implementing not only adaptation measures but also mitigation strategies that reduce their carbon footprint.
Every European city has the opportunity to become a role model in terms of climate change adaptation. While some municipalities are making rapid progress, others still need to develop their plans and strategies. Collaboration between cities, adequate funding, and political commitment are essential to drive climate action across Europe, thus ensuring a more sustainable future for all. It is imperative that cities, citizens, and institutions work together to build stronger and more resilient communities that see the positive impact of the adaptation and mitigation measures implemented. With the right approach, we can address the challenges posed by climate change, achieving a safer and more prosperous environment for future generations.
