Local action at the forefront of climate adaptation and heat detoxification

 

Local action at the forefront of climate adaptation and heat detoxification

This annual event brought together city leaders, practitioners, and stakeholders from across Europe to share innovative solutions on various topics such as sufficiency, adaptation to climate change, renewable energy, and local food systems. Throughout two thematic journeys, the participation of the EU Covenant of Mayors underscored the importance of local action in both adapting to extreme weather conditions and transitioning to sustainable energy systems.

Adapting to heatwaves is both a physical and social matter

As temperatures rise, the need for cities to adapt to heatwaves has never been more urgent—an issue that goes beyond physical infrastructure to encompass social resilience. From Spain to Ukraine, city leaders shared their approaches to rethinking urban spaces in response to rising temperatures. The key takeaway? Building resilience to climate change requires both nature-based solutions and active citizen engagement.

In Besançon, the morning’s hands-on activities brought this idea to life. Participants visited newly transformed city squares and schoolyards, where children took an active role in planting and naming trees, placing them at the heart of adaptation efforts. By adopting nature-based solutions such as planting young trees, introducing wild grasses, placing benches, and using more permeable ground materials, the city has created cool, welcoming place for socialising, relaxing, playing and meeting, while also buffering the city against heat and heavy rains. 

   

Marseille is also a strong example of heat-resilient city, implementing strategies to tackle extreme temperatures. The city is addressing its most vulnerable neighbourhoods by improving outdated buildings and ensuring equitable access to green, liveable spaces, all while involving citizens and children in the transformation efforts. For an in-depth look at Marseille’s comprehensive heat strategy, explore our full case study here.

This reinforces the fact that urban adaptation involves more than simply planting trees—it requires a comprehensive approach. From mapping and canopies to planning and de-paving, from children’s drawings to policy frameworks, resilience is about creating more space for nature and community.

  

Detoxifying local energy systems is essential to ensure 100% renewable cities

The transition to 100% renewable cities was another key theme of the event. As the EU strives for climate neutrality by 2050, detoxifying local energy systems is critical. The EU Covenant of Mayors and the Cities Heat Detox campaign were featured in discussions on innovative partnerships for renewable cities.

Besançon, which joined Cities Heat Detox campaign, showcased its efforts with district heating projects, including the Planoise wood-fired boiler plant, which supplies renewable energy to 14,850 households, and the Port Douvot wastewater treatment plant, which has been energy-positive since 2022 thanks to the integration of solar, geothermal, and biomethane sources. 

'Besançon aims to be fully powered by renewable energy by 2050' as highlighted by Lorine Gagliolo, Vice President for Environment, Energy, and Sustainable Development – Grand Besançon Métropole.

 

  

During this journey, Annecy, a Covenant signatory, also shared its experience in diversifying its heating and cooling systems. By using deep geothermal energy, biomass, and water, Annecy’s plan avoids dependence on a single energy source. Originally relying on a waste incineration plant built in the 1970s, the city has since expanded with biomass-powered networks, including a new 30 km extension. Annecy is now exploring innovative models such as lake water-based heat pumps and deep geothermal energy.

However, to successfully detoxify a city’s heating systems, projects need more than just funding and technical solutions—they require trust and active participation from citizens and local stakeholders. 

From adaptation... to mitigation

This forum was a clear reminder that adapting to climate change is no longer optional—it’s essential. Faced with intensifying heatwaves, cities must rethink how public spaces are designed, how communities are supported, and how infrastructure can become heat-resilient. As highlighted in our Cities Refresh campaign, adaptation means redesigning urban areas to create spaces that are not only cooler, but also more inclusive, liveable, and community-led.

At the same time, mitigation is equally vital. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions—especially in heating and cooling systems—is key to reaching Europe’s 2050 climate neutrality targets. Our Cities Heat Detox campaign underscores the need to replace polluting energy sources with clean alternatives. This shift requires coordinated action across all levels of governance to deliver cleaner air, a stronger economy, and more resilient communities.