EU Cities Adapt! New European Project Launched

The impacts of climate change are evident already. In recent times, many European cities have experienced extreme weather events such as heat waves, storms and flooding. Local governments are well positioned to start adapting. Smart ones will look into opportunities to integrate adaptation with their city development processes.

We are pleased to inform you that the European Commission has initiated a project that will kick start the EU's engagement and support for cities in developing and implementing adaptation strategies to climate change. The project will offer support to cities interested in developing climate adaptation strategies and give them an opportunity to engage with likeminded cities. This is an excellent opportunity to make your city a more resilient and more attractive place to live and work in.

The project will bring together cities that are advanced on their adaptation journey and those that are just beginning. From a long-term perspective, the aim is to mainstream climate adaptation in European cities by raising awareness on the importance of preparing for climate change, facilitate exchange of knowledge and good practices, and develop tools and guidance for cities to adapt. This summer, three inclusive stakeholder dialogues will give participants insights into cutting-edge research and provide a platform for exchange among peers, experts and stakeholders on urban adaptation. The first of these one-day events is scheduled to take place in Aalborg (Denmark) in early June. Please find the official project launch letter by DG Climate Action here.

Cities can get involved by filling in this short questionnaire!

In the first phase of the project, we would like to obtain an overview of the state of play of urban adaptation to climate change in Europe. Local governments now have the opportunity to register their interest to get involved in the project as one of the 21 participating cities and receive updates and information from the project in the future by completing this questionnaire. Please pass this information on to your city contacts that may be interested.

For more information, visit the project website at eucities-adapt.eu.