Adapting to climate change in European cities: towards smarter, swifter & more systemic action

This publication is designed for decision-makers and technical staff working on climate change adaptation and resilience in local and regional governments. This document has been developed by the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy – Europe Office (Covenant- Europe Office) following the release of the new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change in February 2021. At the time of writing, Europe and the world at large remain gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted in particular the social and economic fragilities of our existing urban systems, and called into question the often destructive and extractive nature of human relationships with the natural environment.

A key development in the new Strategy is the recognition  of ‘unequal exposure and vulnerability to climate impacts’ within Europe, and associated imperative to avoid reinforcing inequalities that make some groups of society more vulnerable or inadvertently creating new inequalities through adaptation measures. To support a just transition, the Commission will promote key programmes to foster education, training and reskilling. The Covenant of Mayors - Europe will continue to offer support to local and regional authorities  implementing climate adaptation in Europe through its established and growing resource bank, and its upcoming policy support facility.