Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time. The world has recently experienced extreme climate events and natural disasters, occurring simultaneously in various countries. As of 1 October 2021, over 2000 jurisdictions in more than 35 countries all over the world have declared a climate emergency
The recent wildfires in Greece, Sardinia and Portugal and the deadly floods in Germany have severely affected regions and more particularly their vulnerable populations. The European Commission launched the Adaptation Mission to foster the development of innovative solutions, tools and methodologies that empower regions and communities to better plan and develop strategies tailored to their needs and fight climate hazards.
Regional pilot projects from four EU projects (ARSINOE, TransformAR, IMPETUS and REGILIENCE) will be discussed at this interactive lab. By coordinating to identify common goals, challenges and focus areas, as well as maximise efficiencies and synergies, REGILIENCE, ARSINOE, IMPETUS and TransformAr will achieve the best possible outcomes for regions and communities impacted by climate change.
By assessing and improving the resilience of regions, these projects will help them prepare for future crises and reduce their associated risks. In this framework, new tools and methodologies help regions and communities to better understand, plan and develop strategies tailored to their needs, that will maximise their resilience to the impacts of climate change.
The session will summarise and leverage regional innovation for climate adaptation, featuring case studies and good practices on a variety of topics (related to climate adaptation), from Nature-Based Solutions and biodiversity to flooding prevention, tackling droughts and heat waves and fighting water scarcity. Regional government representatives will be paired with EU institutions such as the Committee of the Regions and the European Commision. The session will not only target local and regional governments, but also individuals, policy-makers and businesses.
Draft agenda:
5’ - Welcome and introduction to the session
10’ - Keynote address from the Committee of the Regions
10’ - Short input by all speakers
60’ - Panel discussion
5’ - Closing remarks
The panel will provide an open discussion where participants from policy and practice reflect on what they see as novel activities for accelerating resilience and what the adaptation community should be taking away with them as challenges and ideas that might lead to faster, more pervasive action for regional development towards climate resilience.
Guiding questions: