Horizon Magazine · Climate & nature

Building climate resilience into the heart of Europe’s cities

European cities are re-evaluating their design and management due to climate change, with over 80% reporting significant climate hazards. An EU-funded initiative, MULTICLIMACT, is developing flexible methods to help cities understand vulnerabilities, prepare for multiple climate hazards, and prioritize adaptation efforts.

Dr Clemente Fuggini emphasizes the need for collaboration between individuals, communities, institutions, and infrastructure to build resilience. This involves understanding how systems, including transport and utilities, can continue operating during disruptions.

The MULTICLIMACT project involves researchers, engineers, and local authorities from nine European countries. They are creating adaptable methods tailored to specific city geographies, infrastructure, and climate risks, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.

Four pilot sites across Europe are testing these methods. In the Netherlands, a digital monitoring system using sensors helps predict extreme flood events. In Barcelona, nature-based solutions like green drainage channels and tree islands are being tested to combat heatwaves and reduce flood risk.

Historic buildings present a unique challenge. In Camerino, Italy, researchers are guiding the reconstruction of earthquake-damaged historic buildings to enhance resilience while preserving their original character. Similarly, in Riga, Latvia, efforts focus on adapting UNESCO-listed Art Nouveau buildings for a changing climate without compromising architectural heritage.

A key contribution of the research is collecting evidence to build a common framework for European cities. The project aims to help authorities identify where limited investment will have the greatest impact by analyzing cascading disruptions across urban systems.

The research promotes a systemic approach, looking beyond individual assets to understand how entire urban systems behave under stress and how to improve their recovery. This aligns with EU Missions on Adaptation to Climate Change and Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities.

Ultimately, the focus is on the resilience of people and communities. As climate change accelerates, the question for European cities is not if they will face shocks, but how well prepared they will be. MULTICLIMACT aims to help design more sustainable and resilient cities.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.