In its role as part of the Covenant of Mayors - Europe Office – which is made up of local and regional authorities’ networks – ICLEI Europe has developed two publications to help local authorities implement effective climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The first publication, “Adapting to Climate Change in European Cities: towards smarter, swifter & more systemic action” was developed following the release of the new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change. Its four sections mirror the objectives of the new EU Strategy, and delve into: the current EU policy landscape; smarter adaptation that better manages uncertainty; more systemic adaptation across levels and sectors; and faster adaptation across the board.

The publication draws not only on the new EU Strategy on climate adaptation, but also on the Urban Agenda for the EU, the European Green Deal, European Climate Law, and the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, which together aim to forge a climate-resilient Europe by 2050. It identifies actions of particular relevance for local and regional authorities, and provides local examples, supportive tools, and relevant resources to help local authorities implement these actions and foster climate adaptation and resilience.

The second ICLEI-led publication hones in on governance, examining “Multi-Level Governance in (Climate) Action: co-creating policy solutions to tackle climate change” through interviews with local and regional practitioners across Europe, including ICLEI Members.

The climate crisis can only be tackled through cooperation amongst all governing levels: from local to regional, national and European. This publication lays out why multi-level governance (MLG) is so crucial, delves into openness, participation, accountability, effectiveness and coherence as core tenets of successful MLG, and concludes by detailing key steps that all readers can take to strengthen MLG. This is a highly useable publication, filled with real-world examples and concrete action points throughout the chapters.

For more information and to help bolster climate change adaptation and mitigation in your local community, make use of the Adapting to Climate Change in European Cities and the Multi-Level Governance in (Climate) Action publications.