Cities and climate changes Corinne Hermant-de Callataÿ Urban Development and Territorial Cohesion Unit 9th meeting of the Interservice Group on Urban Development – 3 JULY 2008

Why ‘cities and climate change’ ? (1) 75% of the European population lives or works in cities and urban zones Up to 80% of CO2 emissions are generated by cities and, within these emissions, building and transport account for around 60% of total Challenges and objectives are global, but implementation is regional or local Cities are the places where the greatest impact may be achieved (density, transport, building)

Why ‘cities and climate change’ ?(2) "It is essential that climate change be tackled in an integrated way. Choosing between mitigation and adaptation is comparable with choosing between mending a broken brake on a bicycle or buying a cycle helmet instead. Functioning brakes help to prevent accidents (mitigation), whereas the helmet is intended to avert disaster if an accident does occur (adaptation).”

I - Keys facts about cities and climate change Many cities at risk The absence or lack of land use policy Urban sprawl Flood-prone areas Risk for cultural heritage Water scarcity New migration flows

II - What may cities do? Some examples Spatial planning and infrastructure Use of spatial planning for encouraging more compact cities Energy-saving policies Public buildings; social buildings; standards for housing ; reduction of air-conditioning Public transport; energy policy Environmental governance Assessing risks and monitoring progress Exchange of experience through city networks

Powers of cities and towns Multi-level governance III - Limiting factors Funding Powers of cities and towns Multi-level governance Public/private partnerships Decisions of individuals

IV – How may cohesion policy address the challenges? 2007 – 2013: strong emphasis but still diff. to assess Post 2013: Mitigation and measures / transport and energy Adaptation measures / impact of climate change Cross-cutting priorities Reinforce the exchange of information between cities Support information engineering at city level Foster "Urban mainstreaming" on environmental matters

Thank you for your attention