19 March 2014: The European Commission has announced a new initiative, ‘Mayors Adapt,’ aimed at building European cities’ resilience to climate change. Local authorities joining the initiative will create adaptation plans in support of the EU Adaptation Strategy and review their progress every two years.

Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for Climate Action, and Jos Delbeke, Director-General for Climate Action, announced the launch of ‘Mayors Adapt – the Covenant of Mayors Initiative on Adaptation to Climate Change’ and its website at a press conference in Brussels, Belgium. They were joined by the Deputy Mayors of Naples, Italy, and Hasselt, Belgium, whose cities, along with Glasgow, UK, have already signaled their support for the initiative.

‘Mayors Adapt’ falls under the framework of the ‘Covenant of Mayors,’ which unites EU cities in the effort to mitigate climate change. The European Commission has added the initiative on adaptation in recognition that climate change preparedness is especially critical for cities, due to their concentrated populations and infrastructure.

A consortium including Climate Alliance, Fresh Thoughts, IFOK GmbH, and led by Ecofys is implementing the initiative on the European Commission’s behalf. Cities joining ‘Mayors Adapt’ will receive support from a help desk, guidance materials, and information on networking events for peer-to-peer learning and best practice sharing. [European Commission Press Release] [Mayors Adapt Press Release] [Mayors Adapt Official Website]