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You are here: Home / Publications / Urban adaptation to climate change in Europe

Urban adaptation to climate change in Europe


EEA Report No 2/2012
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Challenges and opportunities for cities together with supportive national and European policies

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  • EEA (European Environment Agency)
  • Published: May 14, 2012

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: 978-92-9213-308-5
: TH-AL-12-002-EN-C
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Figures used

Social capital — trust in other people (synthetic index 0–100), 2009 Social capital — trust in other people (synthetic index 0–100), 2009 The map shows the perception of the cities’ population on their trust in other people living in the city; it is therefore a proxy for social capital.
Insurance penetration as proportion of GDP Insurance penetration as proportion of GDP Insurance penetration as proportion of GDP per country
World Bank Government effectiveness index, 2010 World Bank Government effectiveness index, 2010 The map shows the population’s perception of the quality of public and civil services and their degree of independence from political pressures, the quality of policy formulation and implementation, and the credibility of the government’s commitment to such policies.
Human resources — age dependency index, 2004 Human resources — age dependency index, 2004 The map shows an index on demographic dependency for European cites
Economic determinant — GDP per capita figures for European cities, 2004 (EUR) Economic determinant — GDP per capita figures for European cities, 2004 (EUR) The map shows the GDP per capita for European cites
Infrastructure as one determinant of adaptive capacity Infrastructure as one determinant of adaptive capacity The infrastructure determinant as a part of adaptive capacity is described through 3 indicators: density of roads networks, number of hospitals beds and sustainable water use index values resulting in 5 classes and presented per NUTS 3 unit
Technology as one determinant of adaptive capacity, based on the NUTS 3 level Technology as one determinant of adaptive capacity, based on the NUTS 3 level The technology determinant as a part of adaptive capacity is described through 3 indicators: R&D expenditure as % of GDP, number of R&D personnel, number of patent application per resulting in 5 classes and presented per NUTS 3 unit.
Equity — percentage of women among elected city representatives, 2004 Equity — percentage of women among elected city representatives, 2004 The map shows the proportion of women who are elected as city representatives
Perceptions on 'city committed to fight against climate change' (synthetic index 0–100), 2009 Perceptions on 'city committed to fight against climate change' (synthetic index 0–100), 2009 The map shows the perception of the cities’ population how committed the city’s administration is in its fight against climate change
Education — percentage of population aged 15–64 having a level of education following secondary schooling (qualified at tertiary level), 2004 Education — percentage of population aged 15–64 having a level of education following secondary schooling (qualified at tertiary level), 2004 The map shows the proportion of the city population between 15 and 64 years with a higher education (ISCED level 5 and 6).
Change in population between 2005 and 2050 under a status quo scenario Change in population between 2005 and 2050 under a status quo scenario The relative changes in population numbers are presented in 9 classes per NUTS 3 unit
Water stress indicator WEI for annual average on river basin level for the a) baseline, b) 2050 under the 'economy comes first' scenario, and c) compared with urban population numbers Water stress indicator WEI for annual average on river basin level for the a) baseline, b) 2050 under the 'economy comes first' scenario, and c) compared with urban population numbers Annual average water stress indicator WEI on river basin level for baseline and 2050 period with SCENES scenario Economy First (EcF)
Precipitation deficit in summer (JJA) and winter (DJF) for the periods 2021–2040, 2041–2060 and 2061–2080 Precipitation deficit in summer (JJA) and winter (DJF) for the periods 2021–2040, 2041–2060 and 2061–2080 Precipitation deficit in summer (JJA) and winter (DJF) for the periods in the future 2021-2040, 2041-2060 and 2061-2080.
Relative change of mean annual storm loss potential on nine GCM (upper row) and eight RCM (bottom row) simulations for 2071–2100 compared to 1961–2000 (SRES A1B scenario) Relative change of mean annual storm loss potential on nine GCM (upper row) and eight RCM (bottom row) simulations for 2071–2100 compared to 1961–2000 (SRES A1B scenario) -
Potential inundation exposure for coastal cities due to projected sea level rise and storm surge events Potential inundation exposure for coastal cities due to projected sea level rise and storm surge events The map shows the proportion of the city area (UMZ inside the core city) that would be affected by potential inundation caused by a sea level rise of 1m.
Degree of mean soil sealing per city — share of cities per class per country Degree of mean soil sealing per city — share of cities per class per country The diagram shows the proportion of cities per country that falls in a particular class regarding the degree of average soil sealing.
Urban flooding — impervious surfaces reduce the drainage of rain water and increase the risk for urban flooding Urban flooding — impervious surfaces reduce the drainage of rain water and increase the risk for urban flooding The map shows the average soil sealing degree inside the UMZ of European core cities (core city defined in Urban Atlas / Urban Audit). Soil sealing degrees are represented in coloured dots. The city dots are overlaid onto a modelled map displaying the change in annual number of days with heavy rainfall between the reference periods 1961-1990 and 2071-2100.
Percentage of the urban area that would be flooded — share of cities per class per country Percentage of the urban area that would be flooded — share of cities per class per country The diagram shows the proportion of cities per country that fall in a particular class regarding the percentage of potentially flooded area.
Percentage of the city that would be flooded in case rivers rise one metre Percentage of the city that would be flooded in case rivers rise one metre Percentage of the city that would be flooded in case water in rivers rises 1 m (only cities > 100 000 hab). The city is defined by its biophysical delineation (Urban Morphological Zone) inside the core city boundaries (Urban Audit). The background shows the relative change in 100-year return level of river discharge. Neither coastal floods nor flood protection measures are considered in the calculations.
Percentage of population aged ≥ 65 — share of cities per class per country Percentage of population aged ≥ 65 — share of cities per class per country The diagram shows the proportion of cities per country that fall in a particular class regarding the share of citizens which are older than 64 years.
Vulnerable people — the elderly are considered to be a group more sensitive to various climatic stress factors than people of a working age Vulnerable people — the elderly are considered to be a group more sensitive to various climatic stress factors than people of a working age The map shows the share of elderly people (>= 65 years) within a city (represented by the dot colours) to the total population (represented by dot size).
Urban climate analysis map for the city of Arnhem, the Netherlands Urban climate analysis map for the city of Arnhem, the Netherlands The map shows different climate classifications of the areas in the city of Arnheim
Percentage of green and blue urban areas — share of cities per class per country Percentage of green and blue urban areas — share of cities per class per country The diagram shows the proportion of cities per country that falls in a particular class regarding the share of green and blue urban areas.
Heat waves — both a low share of green and blue urban areas and high population densities can contribute to the urban heat island effect in cities Heat waves — both a low share of green and blue urban areas and high population densities can contribute to the urban heat island effect in cities The cities are displayed as dots of different colours and sizes. The colours represent the share of green and blue urban areas inside the Urban Morphological Zone of the city, the size of the dots reflects the population density within the core cities’ UMZ. The background map is the result of climatic modelling and represents the number of combined tropical nights (T>20°C) and hot days (T>35°C) for the period 2071 to 2100.
Increase in the number of combined tropical nights (minimum temperature exceeding 20 °C) and hot days (maximum temperature exceeding 35 °C) under present and future climate conditions Increase in the number of combined tropical nights (minimum temperature exceeding 20 °C) and hot days (maximum temperature exceeding 35 °C) under present and future climate conditions The map is the result of climatic modelling and represents the number of combined tropical nights (T>20°C) and hot days (T>35°C) for the period 2071 to 2100
Climate analysis map for the Stuttgart region, also showing so-called ventilation paths along with other climate related features Climate analysis map for the Stuttgart region, also showing so-called ventilation paths along with other climate related features -
European regions clustered according to projected climate changes European regions clustered according to projected climate changes The map presents 5 European regions clustered according to projected climate changes
Percentage of urban population resident in areas for days per year with ozone concentrations over the long-term objective for protection of human health, 1997-2009 (EU-27) Percentage of urban population resident in areas for days per year with ozone concentrations over the long-term objective for protection of human health, 1997-2009 (EU-27) The target value is 120 µg O3/m3 as daily maximum of 8 hour mean, not to be exceeded more than 25 days per calendar year, averaged over three years and to be achieved where possible by 2010. Over the years 1997-2009 the total population for which exposure estimates are made, increased from 47 to 114 million people due to an increasing number of monitoring stations reporting under the Exchange of Information Decision. Year-to-year variations in exposure classes are partly caused by the changes in spatial coverage. Only urban and sub-urban background monitoring stations have been included in the calculations. Data for Cyprus, Luxembourg and Malta, are not included due to the geographical coverage of the Urban Audit.
Flood plains of the river Elbe in the municipality of Dresden, Germany, during different flooding events Flood plains of the river Elbe in the municipality of Dresden, Germany, during different flooding events The figure shows the flooded area in Dresden during different flood events
Comparing the degree of soil sealing and the surface temperatures in Budapest, Hungary Comparing the degree of soil sealing and the surface temperatures in Budapest, Hungary Comparing the degree of soil sealing and the surface temperatures in Budapest, Hungary
Projected change in 100-year return level of river discharge between 2071-2100 and the reference period 1961-1990 Projected change in 100-year return level of river discharge between 2071-2100 and the reference period 1961-1990 Simulations with LISFLOOD driven by HIRHAM HadAM3H/HadCM3 based on IPCC SRES scenario A2.

News about this publication

Climate change and flood risk in European cities Climate change and flood risk in European cities Increased flooding is likely to be one of the most serious effects from climate change in Europe over coming decades. Some of the conditions which may contribute to urban flooding are highlighted in an Eye on Earth map from the European Environment Agency (EEA).
How vulnerable could your city be to climate impacts? How vulnerable could your city be to climate impacts? Climate change will affect Europe's cities in different ways. To give an overall impression of the challenge for European cities to adapt to climate change, the European Environment Agency (EEA) has published a series of detailed interactive maps, allowing users to explore data from more than 500 cities across Europe.
Water in the city Water in the city With population growth, urbanisation and economic development, the demand for freshwater in urban areas are increasing throughout Europe. At the same time, climate change and pollution are also affecting the availability of water for city residents. How can Europe's cities continue providing clean freshwater to their residents?
Voda v mestu Voda v mestu Z rastjo prebivalstva, urbanizacijo in gospodarskim razvojem se povečujejo potrebe po sladki vodi v mestih po vsej Evropi. Hkrati podnebne spremembe in onesnaževanje prav tako vplivajo na razpoložljivost vode za prebivalce v mestih. Kako lahko evropska mesta še naprej zagotavljajo sladko vodo svojim prebivalcem?
Ilma fl-ibliet Ilma fl-ibliet Bit-tkabbir fil-popolazzjoni, l-urbanizzazzjoni u l-iżvilupp ekonomiku, id-domanda għall-ilma ħelu f’żoni urbani qiegħda tiżdied fl-Ewropa. Fl-istess ħin, it-tibdil fil-klima u t-tniġġis qegħdin jaffettwaw ukoll id-disponibbiltà tal-ilma għal residenti tal-ibliet. Kif jistgħu l-ibliet fl-Ewropa jkomplu jipprovdu ilma ħelu nadif għar-residenti tagħhom?
Voda v meste Voda v meste S rastom populácie, urbanizáciou a hospodárskym rozvojom rastie v mestských oblastiach v celej Európe dopyt po sladkej vode. Zároveň zmena klímy a znečistenie takisto ovplyvňujú dostupnosť vody pre obyvateľov miest. Ako môžu európske mestá ďalej zabezpečovať čistú vodu pre svojich obyvateľov?
Vatten i städerna Vatten i städerna Med befolkningstillväxt, urbanisering och ekonomisk utveckling ökar efterfrågan på sötvatten i tätbebyggda områden i hela Europa. Samtidigt påverkar klimatförändringar och föroreningar också stadsbornas tillgång på vatten. Hur kan Europas städer fortsätta att ge sina invånare rent sötvatten?
Vand i storbyen Vand i storbyen Den stigende befolkning, urbaniseringen og den økonomiske udvikling medfører et stigende behov for ferskvand i byområderne overalt i Europa. Samtidig påvirker klimaændringerne og forureningen borgernes adgang til vand. Hvordan kan Europas storbyer fremover skaffe rent ferskvand til deres indbyggere?
Kaupunkilaiset ja vesi Kaupunkilaiset ja vesi Väestön kasvu, kaupungistuminen ja talouskehitys lisäävät puhtaan veden tarvetta kaupunkialueilla kaikkialla Euroopassa. Samaan aikaan myös ilmastonmuutos ja saastuminen vaikuttavat kaupunkien asukkaiden veden saantiin. Miten Euroopan kaupungit voivat vastedeskin tarjota puhdasta vettä asukkailleen?
Városi vizek Városi vizek A népességnövekedéssel, az urbanizációval és a gazdasági fejlődéssel együtt az európai városok vízigénye is növekszik. Ugyanakkor az éghajlatváltozás és környezetszennyezés a városlakók vízellátására is hatással van. Hogyan képesek Európa városai a jövőben is tiszta ivóvizet biztosítani lakosaik részére?
Wasser in der Stadt Wasser in der Stadt Durch Bevölkerungswachstum, Urbanisierung und wirtschaftliche Entwicklung nimmt die Nachfrage der städtischen Gebiete nach Süßwasser in ganz Europa zu. Gleichzeitig wirken sich Klimawandel und Umweltverschmutzung auf die Verfügbarkeit von Wasser für Stadtbewohner aus. Wie also können die europäischen Städte weiterhin sauberes Trinkwasser für ihre Bewohner bereitstellen?
Водата в градовете Водата в градовете С увеличаването на населението, растящата урбанизация и икономическото развитие потребностите от прясна вода в градските райони в цяла Европа нарастват. Същевременно изменението на климата и замърсяването също се отразяват на наличието на вода за жителите на градовете. Как европейските градове могат да продължат да осигуряват чиста прясна вода за своите жители?
L'eau dans la ville L'eau dans la ville Avec la croissance de la population, l'urbanisation et le développement économique, la demande en eau douce augmente dans toutes les zones urbaines d’Europe. Parallèlement, le changement climatique et la pollution influent également sur la quantité d’eau disponible pour les résidents des villes. Comment les villes d'Europe peuvent-elles continuer à fournir de l'eau douce propre à leurs résidents?
Woda w miastach Woda w miastach Wraz ze wzrostem zaludnienia, urbanizacją oraz rozwojem gospodarczym wzrasta zapotrzebowanie na wodę słodką na obszarach miejskich w Europie. Jednocześnie na dostępność wody dla mieszkańców miast wpływa również zmiana klimatu i poziom zanieczyszczeń. W jaki sposób europejskie miasta mogą w dalszym ciągu zaopatrywać swoich mieszkańców w wodę słodką?
Apa în oraş Apa în oraş Odată cu creşterea populaţiei, cu urbanizarea şi cu dezvoltarea economică, creşte şi cererea de apă dulce în zonele urbane din întreaga Europă. În acelaşi timp, schimbările climatice şi poluarea afectează de asemenea cantitatea de apă disponibilă pentru locuitorii oraşelor. Cum pot continua oraşele Europei să furnizeze apă dulce curată locuitorilor lor?
Vanduo mieste Vanduo mieste Didėjant gyventojų skaičiui, smarkiai plečiantis urbanizacijai ir ekonomikai, visuose Europos miestuose auga gėlo vandens poreikis. Klimato kaita ir tarša taip pat turi įtakos miesto gyventojams tiekiamo vandens ištekliams. Ką turi turime daryti, kad Europos miestuose būtų užtikrintas gėlo vandens tiekimas gyventojams?
Ūdens pilsētā Ūdens pilsētā Palielinoties iedzīvotāju skaitam, urbanizācijai un ekonomikas attīstībai, visā Eiropā palielinās arī pieprasījums pēc saldūdens pilsētu teritorijās. Ūdens pieejamību pilsētu iedzīvotājiem vienlaikus ietekmē arī klimata pārmaiņas un piesārņojums. Kā Eiropas pilsētas var turpināt saldūdens nodrošināšanu saviem iedzīvotājiem?
Şehir Suyu Şehir Suyu Nüfus artışı, kentleşme ve ekonomik gelişim ile birlikte, tüm Avrupa’da kentsel bölgelerdeki tatlı su ihtiyacı artmaktadır. Aynı zamanda, iklim değişikliği ve çevre kirliliği de kent sakinleri için mevcut su kaynaklarını etkilemektedir. Avrupa’daki şehirler, kent sakinlerine temiz tatlı su sağlamaya nasıl devam edebilir?
Vann i byen Vann i byen Befolkningsvekst, urbanisering og økonomisk utvikling gjør at etterspørselen etter ferskvann i urbane områder øker over hele Europa. Samtidig påvirker klimaendringer og forurensning også tilgjengeligheten av vann for bybefolkningene. Hvordan kan Europas byer fortsette å levere rent ferskvann til sine innbyggere?
A água na cidade A água na cidade O crescimento demográfico, a urbanização e o desenvolvimento económico fazem aumentar em toda a Europa a procura de água doce nas zonas urbanas. Ao mesmo tempo, as alterações climáticas e a poluição afetam também a disponibilidade de água para os habitantes das cidades. Como poderão as cidades europeias continuar a fornecer água doce limpa aos seus habitantes?
Water in de stad Water in de stad Door bevolkingsgroei, verstedelijking en economische ontwikkeling neemt overal in Europa de vraag naar zoetwater in stedelijke gebieden toe. Tegelijkertijd zetten klimaatverandering en waterverontreiniging de beschikbaarheid van water voor stadsbewoners nog verder onder druk. Hoe kunnen wij ervoor zorgen dat Europese steden hun bewoners ook in toekomst van schoon zoetwater kunnen voorzien?
El agua en la ciudad El agua en la ciudad El crecimiento demográfico, la urbanización y el desarrollo económico están provocando un incremento de la demanda de agua dulce en las zonas urbanas de toda Europa. Simultáneamente, el cambio climático y la contaminación inciden en el volumen de agua a disposición de los ciudadanos. ¿Cómo pueden las ciudades europeas seguir abasteciendo de agua dulce y potable a sus habitantes?
Linnavesi Linnavesi Rahvastiku kasvu, linnastumise ja majandusarengu taustal kasvab kogu Euroopas linnapiirkondades nõudlus magevee järele. Samal ajal mõjutavad ka kliimamuutused ja reostus linnavee kättesaadavust. Kuidas saavad Euroopa linnad jätkata oma elanike varustamist puhta mageveega?
Voda ve městě Voda ve městě V důsledku růstu počtu obyvatel, urbanizace a hospodářského rozvoje se v městských oblastech v celé Evropě zvyšuje poptávka po sladké vodě. Zároveň má na dostupnost vody pro lidi žijící ve městech vliv změna klimatu a znečištění. Jakým způsobem mohou města nadále zajišťovat pro své obyvatele čistou sladkou vodu?
Uisce sa chathair Uisce sa chathair Mar gheall ar fhás sa daonra, uirbiú agus forbairt eacnamaíochta, tá méadú ag teacht ar an éileamh ar fhionnuisce i gceantair uirbeacha ar fud na hEorpa. Ag an am céanna, bíonn tionchar ag an athrú aeráide agus ag an truailliú ar infhaighteacht uisce d’áitritheoirí cathrach. Conas is féidir le cathracha na hEorpa leanúint le fionnuisce glan a chur ar fáil dá n-áitritheoirí?
L'acqua in città L'acqua in città Con la crescita demografica, l'urbanizzazione e lo sviluppo economico, la domanda d'acqua dolce nelle aree urbane è in aumento in tutta Europa. Allo stesso tempo, il cambiamento climatico e l'inquinamento incidono sulla disponibilità d'acqua per gli abitanti delle aree urbane. Ecco come le città europee possono continuare a fornire acqua dolce pulita ai propri residenti.
Vatn í borginni Vatn í borginni Með fólksfjölgun, þéttbýlismyndun og efnahagslegri þróun er eftirspurn eftir ferskvatni í þéttbýli að aukast um alla Evrópu. Samtímis hafa loftslagsbreytingar og mengun áhrif á aðgangi borgarbúa að vatni. Hvernig geta borgir Evrópu haldið áfram að sjá íbúum sínum fyrir hreinu ferskvatni?
Νερό στην πόλη Νερό στην πόλη Με την αύξηση του πληθυσμού, την αστικοποίηση και την οικονομική ανάπτυξη, η ζήτηση για γλυκό νερό στις αστικές περιοχές αυξάνεται σε ολόκληρη την Ευρώπη. Παράλληλα, η μεταβολή του κλίματος και η ρύπανση επίσης επηρεάζουν τη διαθεσιμότητα του νερού για τους κατοίκους των πόλεων. Πώς μπορούν οι πόλεις της Ευρώπης να εξακολουθήσουν να παρέχουν καθαρό γλυκό νερού στους κατοίκους τους;
Europe's future depends on cities resilient to climate change Europe's future depends on cities resilient to climate change Around three quarters of Europeans live in cities. Most of Europe's wealth is generated in cities, and urban areas are particularly at risk due to climate change. Europe should seize the opportunity of improving quality of life while adapting to climate change in cities, according to a report from the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report also warns that delaying adaptation will be much more costly in the long-term.

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