Publications & tools

Latest ( 19 - 27 from 257 )

ICLEI Europe’s Position Paper on the EU’s 2040 Climate Target

In February 2024, the European Commission proposed an EU-wide 90% net emission reduction target by 2040, following the recommendation from the European Scientific Advisory Body on Climate Change (ESABCC) to set a 2040 climate target of 90- 95% emission reductions. While presenting the 2040 target in the European Parliament, Commissioner Hoekstra highlighted the need for a dialogue and an extensive outreach to discuss how to reach this crucial intermediary target of 2040.
We welcome the Commissi...
Position paper
Published: 2024

ICLEI Europe's position on the Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience

Following the EU Soil Strategy, in July 2023, the European Commission published its proposal for a Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience. Unfortunately, the ambition of the Directive - even expressed by the now proposed title - does not meet the previously announced “Soil Health Law” criteria as the directive does not contain any binding protection measures / targets and it currently foresees a step by step approach by prioritising soil monitoring first and planning to suggest ...

Principles of Cooling Cities

As Europe faces the growing challenges of climate change, the urgency to address rising urban temperatures is clear. Cities, home to most Europeans, are at the forefront, grappling with the urban heat island effect, extreme heatwaves, and increasing related energy consumption. To create resilient, equitable, and climate-neutral cities, we must adopt a transformative approach. This document builds on the Aalborg Conditions which is the strategic vision put out by ICLEI Europe during the 10th Euro...
Letters and Statements
Published: 2024

From local and regional authorities to EU Policy Makers: One/Planetary Health Approach for a Sustainable Future

We, the undersigned cities, call upon the European Union policymakers to adopt and champion a One/Planetary Health approach in environmental policies and strategies. We urge the European Union to embed nature-based solutions, public health priorities, and democratic governance into the core of all EU legislation and programs, ensuring a holistic, resilient, and equitable future for all.
Knowledge brief
Published: 2024

Enhancing Industrial(-Urban) Symbiosis at the local scale

The aim of this briefing note is to provide local and regional authorities with insights on how to support the development of Industrial(-Urban) Symbiosis initiatives in their territory, through case studies and experience sharing. In addition to the knowledge developed by participating in several projects, data on case studies has been collected via desk research and interviews with representatives of local and regional authorities and facilitators of I(-U)S hubs.
ICLEI is involved in several ...

Policy Brief: Transforming Europe’s building stock for a fair, affordable, climate-neutral future

This policy brief outlines the major challenges associated with the transformation of European building stock from local governments and authorities’ perspective, in addition to discussing current legislation in place. The brief will then present suggestions to address these challenges and turn the EU building stock from a major roadblock to a driving force for a climate-neutral, fair and sustainable future.

Local Alliance Briefing: Unlocking the Potential of Local and Regional Governments in the Social Climate Fund

This exclusive report from eight major European local and regional government networks including ICLEI reveals that vulnerable households in the EU are at risk of being underserved by the €86 billion Social Climate Fund (SCF) due to inadequate consultation of local and regional governments by national governments.

Case Study Guides on Shared Actions for the Green Deal

Collecting experience from 24 local actions across Europe to highlight how communities can help advance European Green Deal objectives, this guide presents concrete ideas on different topics of the European Green Deal.
Guidance document
Published: 2024

KeepCool: Strategic and Sustainable Cooling Planning and Advocacy for Local Governments

Europe's climate is changing at a disturbing rate. Data from the World Meteorological Organization1 reveals the continent is warming twice as fast as the global average. This significant increase highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
The European Green Deal and the ambitious "Fit for 55" package highlight a crucial fact: decarbonizing the way we cool and heat our buildings is essential for a successful energy transition. Unless we ...