Ready for Climate Change? An Assessment of Measures Adopted by 45 Mediterranean Coastal Cities to Face Climate Change

Abstract

The IPCC has warned that countries such as France, Spain, and Italy will need to strengthen their coastal defences against an increased frequency of storms and of higher sea level. This information should lead to urgent city action, especially from those in coastal areas such as in the Mediterranean. Are cities ready for the impact of climate change? This work examines practices adopted by 45 coastal Mediterranean cities in eight countries (Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey) to address climate change, shedding light on initiatives being implemented and identifying areas lacking decisive action. The first source of data for this research was collected through information on the EU Covenant of Mayors website. Results show deficiencies in policy formulation and actions to respond to climate change through adaptation measures, while showing that cities are better at reduction in emissions and energy consumption. We also found that municipalities in the sample are more active in adapting to climate change when they have the support of programs at the national or European level.