Guidelines: How to prepare for floods, heatwaves and other climate change impacts

Local authorities are on the front lines when it comes to preparing for and reacting to the already visible and future consequences of a changing climate. They are experiencing an increased number of extreme weather events or gradual changes, such as heat or cold waves, floods, storms, coastal erosion, water scarcity, forest fires, etc., which can result in considerable spending and influence health, infrastructure, local economies, and the quality of life of citizens.

This is why cities and towns across Europe are already taking action to adapt to climate change, for example by renaturing or re-opening river beds, by greening city facades to cool down temperatures during summer, or by climate-proofing their infrastructure.