The ‘Cities in Action - Making Smart Investments in Disaster and Climate Resilience in Europe’ event, which was jointly organised by the World Bank and the European Commission (ECHO), was part of European Week of Regions and Cities 2024.
The event brought together experts to share practical insights and examples of innovative tools and approaches to enhancing disaster and climate resilience at sub-national level. The session showcased good practice from cities and regions across Europe that have used different sources of financing and leveraged partnerships to improve the safety, resilience, and sustainable development of their communities.
The event was moderated by Hanna Jahns, Director of Policy and Strategy at DG ECHO. Hanna set the scene by describing how disasters are on the rise in Europe, reshaping the continent’s risk landscape. These disasters often have cascading effects (chain-reaction triggered by one event), amplifying the risks across different sectors. The economic impact is significant, as rebuilding and recovery costs have doubled over the past two decades, with urban areas being the hardest hit, Jahns pointed out.
Additionally, Jahns highlighted that investing in preparedness and prevention is critical, not only to save lives but also because it makes financial sense given the expected climate change impacts. A recent EU/World Bank study found that every EUR invested in prevention and preparedness typically returns between 2 and 10 EUR in benefits, with some cases showing returns as high as 40 EUR. Jahns emphasised the importance of raising risk awareness and empowering policymakers and citizens to make informed decisions.
Jahns notes that beyond preparedness and prevention, investing in other policy domains, such as agriculture and forest management within the context of climate adaptation, can reduce the pressure on civil protection authorities. Disaster response comes at the end of the chain, Jahns added, and effective climate adaptation and disaster risk management in these sectors can also decrease the likelihood of activating the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). However, when failures occur in other domains, the UCPM is there to lead the emergency response. For this reason, climate-affected sectors must prioritise effective climate adaptation to prevent overwhelming civil protection and disaster management systems.
Christoph Pusch, Practice Manager for the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Region in the World Bank’s Urban, DRM, Resilience, and Land Global Practice, explained that while the World Bank typically supports and finances low- to middle-income countries, it also actively supports other nations in disaster prevention and preparedness efforts. High-income countries can benefit from the insights gained in lower-income countries, and vice versa, creating a mutually beneficial knowledge spillover as “disasters know no borders”.
Investments in preparedness have already been successfully integrated in some parts of the world and have demonstrated multiple benefits. For example, Pusch highlighted the case of Vienna, which was well-prepared for recent floods due to efforts made in the 1970s to build the Danube Island, which creates more space for water.
Pusch stressed that cities are at the forefront of crisis management because they are the first to experience disasters and must respond quickly. Cities also face the greatest impacts due to their high population density, with 75% of EU citizens living in urban areas. Additionally, cities often have established infrastructure and systems in place, making it easier to implement changes. Thus, strong coordination between national and local governments is crucial for effective preparedness and prevention. Pusch underscored that building more resilient cities requires a smart approach. Smart investments are designed to not only reduce risks and enhance preparedness, but also generate additional co-benefits beyond their primary purpose. For example, parks or urban forests not only make cities more resilient by managing flood risks, but they also help absorb CO2, improve mental health, and enhance biodiversity.
In addition to smart investments, Pusch highlighted the importance of the right timing and financial preparedness. Timing is key because investments made too late, such as after opportunities for efficient land-use planning have passed, lose their effectiveness—early planning is essential. Financial preparedness is equally important, requiring established mechanisms that ensure immediate access to funds when a disaster strikes.
Julie Roussel, Head of the Climate Change Adaptation Department in the City of Paris, was asked how Paris prepares for heatwaves and floods. She explained that for flood protection, Paris is making several smart investments, for example removing asphalt, planting vegetation, and implementing nature-based solutions to prevent maladaptation. In terms of heatwave preparedness, the city is also using nature-based strategies, supporting the creation of cool islands and green spaces, transforming schoolyards into urban oases, and adapting buildings. One unique preparedness measure taken was a heat dome simulation (entitled 'Paris at 50 degrees') conducted in October 2023 (Speaker Series 2024 | Addressing Extreme Heat). The objectives of the exercise were to enhance collaboration among stakeholders and analyse impacts of extreme heat.
This exercise was shaped by lessons learned from past crises, highlighting the need for a new approach to city level preparedness, specifically focusing on citizen mobilisation and preparedness – engaging to a great extend also the general population.
The heat dome simulation exercise envisioned a scenario where the city faces extreme temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius. It mobilised various groups, including the police department, firefighters, the press, and members of the public—families, children, students, elderly, and social housing residents. Participants practiced how they would respond during a high-intensity heatwave. This exercise not only highlighted malfunctions and specific needs of different actors but also brought together key stakeholders affected by such an extreme event, fostering management of extreme heat in urban environments.
Panagiota Kourakli, Director-General of the Municipality of Kalamata, who worked on planning and rebuilding the affected areas of the city after the devastating 1986 earthquake in the city, pointed out that proactive, preventative measures are far more effective than reacting after a disaster strikes. She emphasised the role of smart urban planning and adaptation strategies, which have guided Kalamata in its preparedness efforts as well as facilitated recovery from disaster events. The General Urban Plan, which was instrumental in the city's recovery, serves as a model of disaster-resistant development, incorporating wide public spaces, sustainable mobility networks, and the preservation of cultural heritage. This approach has garnered international recognition, with awards such as the Europa Nostra Award for Kalamata's restoration of its historic monuments and its people-centered urban redevelopment.
In recent years, Kalamata has made smart investments aimed at addressing modern challenges, particularly those related to climate change. Kourakli also discussed new development projects aimed at renovating coastal areas to protect against erosion, using integrated territorial investments and involving local communities through participatory approaches. One notable project is the redevelopment of the coastal front, a 10-kilometer stretch facing increasing risks of coastal erosion and flooding. In collaboration with the World Bank and the European Commission's DG REGIO, the city has focused on planning for more integrated development approaches into its urban landscape. Planned investments will foster climate resilience, enhance public spaces, and promote sustainable tourism. By involving local communities through participatory planning processes, Kalamata ensures that its urban development projects are both inclusive and adaptive to future challenges. She concluded by sharing valuable lessons learned from past earthquakes, reinforcing the need for comprehensive planning and community engagement to mitigate risks and enhance resilience.
What both Paris and Kalamata city initiatives have in common is the focus on engaging citizens in climate adaptation efforts. Both experts were asked the question of how to mobilise citizens in disaster risk management. Roussel stressed that the real challenge lies in convincing local executives to prioritise social measures. Transformations must be embraced from the ground up, with public participation playing a crucial role. Both city representatives emphasised the importance of raising awareness, educating the public, and fostering solidarity. They added that by keeping citizens informed and connected to their local environments, and keeping local governments connected to national governments, these preparedness efforts and smart investments can create a stronger, more resilient society that is prepared to face evolving climate risks together.
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