The European Commission has officially launched the project EU Cities Adapt to provide capacity building and support for European cities in developing and implementing an adaptation strategy to climate change. Those cities interested in getting involved as one of the 21 participants are invited to complete the survey here, which is designed to collect some initial information to obtain an overview of the state of play in preparing for adaptation.

The project, led by AEA and ICLEI for the Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA), aims to raise awareness throughout Europe on the importance of preparing for climate change in cities, facilitate exchange of knowledge and good practices, as well as develop tools and guidance for cities on adaptation. It also provides an opportunity for cities to justify investment in upgrading local infrastructures and improving their citizens’ quality of life.

ICLEI Europe Executive Director Wolfgang Teubner and Sustainability Management Director Holger Robrecht presented the project at the launch of the new European Climate Adaptation Platform CLIMATE-ADAPT that took place at the European Environment Agency in Copenhagen (Denmark) on 23 March 2012. ICLEI is involved in several climate adaptation projects worldwide, such as the Resilient Cities Congress, which will be held in Bonn (Germany) from 12-15 May 2012, and will offer a global forum for learning, cooperation and networking on all aspects of urban resilience and climate change adaptation.

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