KEY MESSAGE

Building the climate-resilient cities of tomorrow

WHY?

The world’s population is growing and ageing. This means that needs are increasing, new needs are appearing, and people also wish to improve their living standards. According to several studies, in the future, most of the population will be living in cities and urban areas, including in the EU, leading to strong urban population growth.

The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated problems that cities were already facing and are likely to face in the future. Changes are continuous and cities will have to adapt quickly to them.

The drastic effects of climate change on cities, which are particularly vulnerable to these effects, require the need for new policies that encourage urban regeneration and the construction of more sustainable and energy efficient buildings.

Housing shortages and energy poverty need to be addressed. Europe’s housing markets are under pressure, while rising energy costs have increased the financial strain on households even further. Therefore, a comprehensive EU approach is needed to deliver and finance affordable and sustainable housing. A key part of this endeavour must be a successful rollout of the EU Renovation Wave.

Our messages and requests

The European Commission must accompany Member States, regions, and cities in defining medium/long-term objectives for urban areas and support the min their transition towards a climate-resilient built environment.

It should take due account of national, regional and local competences in (urban) spatial planning and of local specificities, and always strike the right balance between the urgency of climate protection and socio-economic needs, such as affordable and social housing and mobility.