Decoding urban resilience in the Med

Mediterranean cities are confronted with a number of challenges when it comes to ensuring conditions for sustainable living to their citizens as the impact of the climate crisis is becoming more and more apparent and extreme. Already, the rise in temperature brings about life-threating heatwaves and severe droughts in urban areas. According to the European State of the Climate report, for a large part of Europe and especially countries in southern Europe, 2022 was the warmest year on record since 1950. Not only were there more days with ‘very strong heat stress’ but also seasonal anomalies in temperatures were noted that resulted in hazardous conditions for peoples’ health.

In this online discussion critical data on the status of climate in the Europe and foreseen trends will be discussed by invited experts. Furthermore, examples from Mediterranean cities on local adaptation and climate resilience strategies from Greece, France and Italy will be presented in an effort to raise awareness among local governments and citizens over the critical importance of the future of Mediterranean cities and their role in climate crisis mitigation. 

The discussion will take place online on Thursday 29th of June, at 15:00-17:00 CET, in English. Stay tuned for more information on how to participate.

Speakers' lineup:

• Claudia di Napoli, Scientist, Forecast Department European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts
• Elisavet Bargianni, Chief Heat Officer, City of Athens
• Marco Falconi, Researcher at ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research)
• Félix Blanc, Project Manager, Ecological Transition Department, City of Marseille

Moderation: Kira Taylor, Energy and Environment reporter, EURACTIV

The online discussion is a collaboration between the Heinrich Böll Foundation Offices in Thessaloniki, Greece and in Paris, France/Italy with the support of the Heinrich Böll Foundation's European Union Office in Brussels.