About MAYORS ADAPT. Promoting local leadership in adaptation to climate change. [Event], [Date], [Location]

Transcription

1 About MAYORS ADAPT Promoting local leadership in adaptation to climate change [Event], [Date], [Location]

2 Presentation Overview 1 The Adaptation Context in Europe and the role of local authorities 2 About the Mayors Adapt Initiative its aims, the multiple benefits it offers etc. 3 Services available to Signatories

3 1. The Adaptation Context in Europe

4 Adaptation in Europe Climate change is already happening Its first effects are being seen in Europe and worldwide today: weather patterns are changing, global average temperatures are rising, sea level rise is accelerating. The impacts of climate change will intensify in the coming decades. Taking action to adapt We therefore need to prepare for the unavoidable effects of climate change and work to prevent or minimise the damage they might cause.

5 For a Climate-Resilient Europe The EU Adaptation Strategy Adopted in April 2013, the EU Adaptation strategy sets out the framework for strengthening EU's preparedness for current and future climate impacts. Priority 1: Promoting action by Member States Priority 2: Better informed decision-making Priority 3: Promoting action in key vulnerable sectors

6 Why local authorities matter Local authorities, in all socio-economic situations and geographical locations, are vulnerable to the various impacts of climate change (shift of regional climatic conditions: more heat/ rain, changes in biodiversity, sea-level rise & coastal erosion ) The magnitude of extreme weather events have a high impact on population (e.g. heat waves), buildings, infrastructure (e.g. floods) and possible cascade failures (e.g. energy / ICT networks). Local authorities are key drivers in the implementation of adaptation actions, improving the overall resilience of local territories.

7 2. About the Mayors Adapt Initiative

8 About Mayors Adapt First pan-european initiative to support cities in leading the way on adaptation to climate change Launched in March 2014 by former EU Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard Initiative of the European Commission s Directorate General Climate Action Building upon the EU adaptation strategy Implemented within the framework of the Covenant of Mayors

9 The Covenant of Mayors and Mayors Adapt Mayors Adapt follows the model of the Covenant of Mayors initiative it is a parallel exercise for adaptation Objective: support local authorities in taking coherent action on both mitigation and adaptation promoting an integrated approach Mitigation Adaptation

10 Engaging Cities on Adaptation Mayors Adapt s key objectives are to inspire cities, regions and local governments to show leadership on climate change adaptation to support them in developing strategies for concrete action to translate and accelerate action on adaptation to improve local resilience to climate impacts

11 Why Cities should join Mayors Adapt helps your city to become a forerunner and demonstrate your political leadership in adaptation; showcase your action and expertise on adaptation and profile your city as a pioneer, thanks to the initiative s pan- European activities and outreach; set up and implement local adaptation plans by providing first-class support to participating cities through a dedicated helpdesk; gain quick access to expertise with targeted guidance materials and tools tailored for cities; network with other European cities and benefit from their experiences and good practice through dedicated events and access to comprehensive city profiles;

12 Signatories Commitments By signing up to the initiative, local authorities commit to translating EU Adaptation Strategy into concrete and effective local adaptation action by: either (1) developing a comprehensive local adaptation strategy or (2) integrating adaptation to climate change into relevant existing plans. Voluntary commitment & political ownership!

13 A step-by-step Process Mayors Adapt Signatories commit to: Fulfiling the following step-bystep approach: 1. Get started: secure commitment and ensure management, 1. Assess risks and vulnerabilities as a basis to prioritise adaptation actions, 1. Identify adaptation options, 1. Assess adaptation options, 1. Implement adaptation options, 1. Regularly monitor and evaluate progress, and adjust the local adaptation strategy accordingly. And submitting (within predefined time frames): A local adaptation strategy (1) or the respective relevant adaptation documents (2), including the results of the risk & vulnerability assessment, identifying clear responsibilities and resources, and outlining the adaptation actions - within two years following the formal signing of the Commitment; An Implementation Progress Report every second year according to the framework of the initiative (see the proposed self-assessment checklist in Appendix).

14 10 Guiding Principles (1) As defined in the full commitment document: Strong political leadership, Establishment of long-term goals, Coordination of climate policy (i.e. both mitigation and adaptation), Integration of adaptation into plans and policies in a multisectoral way,

15 10 Guiding Principles (2) Strong multi-stakeholder collaboration, Multi-level governance, Immediate action in order to realise the opportunities from adaptation ( no-regrets approach), Identifying and mobilising financial resources, Regular monitoring of progress.

16 3. Services available to Signatories

17 What Mayors Adapt offers Practical support offered by a dedicated Helpdesk for operational questions, Knowledge support via targeted guidance materials - specifically tailored to local authorities, Possibilities of networking and peer-to-peer learning activities through dedicated events,

18 What Mayors Adapt offers Visibility and communication on cities commitment to adaptation via personalised Signatory profiles on the Mayors Adapt website, Synergies with the Covenant of Mayors and other relevant initiatives (Climate-ADAPT).

19 About the Mayors Adapt office An international consultancy in energy & climate policy, energy & carbon efficiency, renewable energy and energy systems & markets. The European umbrella association of local and regional governments, working across 41 European countries and representing all levels of territories. A European network of municipalities committed to climate protection. The network of major European cities. A consultancy linking scientific research to policy in the area of sustainable development. An international strategy and communications consultancy.

20 EU Financing Opportunities The Multiannual Financial Framework should ensure that at least 20% of the European budget is climate-related expenditure. European Structural and Investment Funds (ERDF, ESF, CF, EAFRD & EMFF) Horizon 2020, promoting research and development on climate change adaptation LIFE programme, financing a wide range of projects related to environment and climate mitigation and adaptation, EU Solidarity Fund for natural disasters. Other funding and loans offered by the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

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