1. Urban adaptation to climate change in Europe André Jol, 12th EMS & 9th ECAC, 12 Sep 2012

2. Vulnerabilities and adaptation - isn’t it a local issue?

3. 75% of Europeans live in cities

4. … and most of Europe’s economic wealth is generated

5. Heat waves in Europe…

6. Urban heat island effect

7. Heat waves

8. Social sensitivity

9. Current approach But what about Europe ? Single city studies Collection of adaptation measures Guidance to cities

10. Social sensitivity – elderly people

11. Soil sealing increases the risk for urban flooding

12. Copenhagen 2 July 2011

13. Urban Flooding

14. Coastal flooding and erosion

15. Coastal Flooding

16. Adaptive capacity

17. Cities are strongly interconnected

18. Cities depend on national and European decisions Floods in France – Getting the national framework supportiv for urban adaptation

19. The need for a multi-level governance approach

20. Pillar: Territorial governance

21. Pillar: Policy coherence cohesion environment transport employment economy … national local

22. Pillar: Financial support and access to funding

23. Pillars: Institutional capacities and knowledge base

24. http://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu Climate Adaptation Platform Climate-ADAPT Supports governmental decision-makers developing/implementing climate change adaptation strategies, policies and actions Guided by advise from countries (agencies and ministries), Adaptation Steering Group (chaired by DG CLIMA), other organisations (e.g. WHO Europe), experts EU FP projects Launched 23 March 2012 (DG CLIMA, EEA) EEA to maintain, with JRC, and supported by ETC CCA supports

25. http://eucities-adapt.eu

26. Key messages Climate change exacerbates existing socio-economic pressures ( urbanization, competing demands for water, increasing number of homes, industry and infrastructure in flood-prone areas ) Cities face specific challenges ( e.g. urban heat island, soil sealing ) Adaptation now can lower (damage) costs in future Investments for urban infrastructure should include adaptation ( e.g. improve water retention, urban drainage, sewage systems, building standards ) Green infrastructure ( forests, parks, wetlands, green walls/roofs ) and ‘soft’ measures ( e.g. sharing information, capacity building, participation of stakeholders ) Support from national and European level is crucial ( e.g. legal and institutional frameworks, funds )