A cross European participatory approach to addressing urban climate risks, lessons learned from the Adaptation AGORA’s pilot regions

Urban areas and their populations across Europe are increasingly dealing with climate change effects, including increased risks of flooding, rising sea levels, heatwaves and more severe storms, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Urbanization further amplifies these effects by significantly altering landscapes and influencing local atmospheric conditions. Addressing these complex dynamics requires a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between urbanization and climate change. Sustainable solutions must integrate climate considerations and resilience measures into urban planning, ensuring cities can adapt to the evolving environmental pressures. 

Adaptation AGORA project engages citizens through participatory methodologies and co-creation strategies to foster, among others, urban climate adaptation initiatives and resilience. By enhancing knowledge and raising awareness among planners, policymakers, and stakeholders, it becomes possible to integrate climate-responsive strategies into the planning process of climate-resilient infrastructure.

Recently in a peer-to-peer learning exchange event, Malmö (pilot city within Adaptation AGORA) and Valencia (one of the project’s Followers), have shared challenges, tools and practices aimed at addressing heat vulnerability and fostering the engagement of vulnerable communities in heatwaves preparedness and response. These initiatives have explored strategies to reduce the impacts of extreme heat, especially on vulnerable populations. Cities need to embed heat adaptation into urban infrastructure and planning, including among others low-tech cooling solutions, and upscaling cooling shelters. By sharing insights and learning from one another, cities like Malmö and Valencia are paving the way for equitable and innovative approaches to urban heat resilience. Their experiences underscore the importance of cross-sector collaboration and community participation in tackling the climate challenges of the future.  

In Rome, another AGORA pilot city, citizens joined the consultation process of the City’s climate adaptation strategy, offering their contribution to the development of the plan. This participatory approach incorporated community insights and needs  into local vulnerabilities, enhancing the relevance and impact of proposed measures. Workshops, focus groups, and collaborative discussions in Rome fostered a deeper understanding of urban climate challenges and empowered communities to play an active role in shaping adaptation solutions.

This presentation will highlight AGORA’s participatory approach to addressing urban climate risks, with a focus on pilot initiatives and community engagement in adaptation planning. It will explore and discuss best practices for involving communities in sustainable adaptation strategies.