Urban

Key messages

Cities are particularly exposed to climate risks because of the concentration of people, buildings, infrastructure and economic activities. Built-up areas and limited green space can intensify heat, while impervious surfaces reduce natural drainage and increase the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall. Climate impacts can also disrupt essential services, including transport, energy, water and healthcare. EEA analysis identifies densely populated urban areas as particularly at risk from heat and extreme precipitation.
Climate change is increasing the need for cities to adapt. The share of the EU population living in urban areas increased from under 70% in 1980 to 75% in 2024 and is projected to reach 84% by 2050. As heatwaves, heavy rainfall, flooding, drought and water scarcity become severe, cities need to prepare for current impacts and future climate conditions. The impacts are not distributed equally: older people, children, people with health conditions and lower-income communities can be particularly vulnerable.
Cities can reduce climate risks through a wide range of adaptation actions. Climate-informed spatial planning and building design, green and blue infrastructure, nature-based solutions, early-warning systems and preparedness measures can reduce exposure and vulnerability while creating healthier and more liveable urban environments. EEA analysis shows that successful urban adaptation is supported by sustained political commitment, long-term funding, good-governance, citizen engagement and knowledge-based decision-making.
EU policies, initiatives and tools support urban resilience. The EU Adaptation Strategy promotes systemic adaptation, local action and nature-based solutions. The EU Mission on Adaptation and the Covenant of Mayors support regional and local authorities, while the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 strengthen the role of urban ecosystems and green infrastructure. The Urban Adaptation Support Tool provides step-by-step guidance for cities developing, implementing and monitoring adaptation plans. Horizon Europe provides further financial and technical support for developing and implementing climate-resilient solutions.

Why climate change adaptation matters for the Urban sector

Most Europeans live in urban areas, where people, buildings, infrastructure and essential services are concentrated. Climate change is increasing risks from heatwaves, flooding, heavy rainfall with stormwater run-off, drought, water scarcity and sea-level rise. Those risks can have potential consequences for health, livelihoods, infrastructure and the provision of essential services such as water, energy, housing, health care, and social services in urban areas (first European Climate Risk Assessment, EUCRA). EEA assessments, such as EEA's report Climate Resilience in Europe, 2025 - progress and challenges and EEA's briefing Small but mighty - climate resilience in Europe's small municipalities, show that European cities are already experiencing climate impacts and that densely populated areas are particularly vulnerable to heat and extreme precipitation.

The way cities are planned, built and managed can either increase or reduce these risks. Climate-informed urban and spatial planning, resilient buildings and infrastructure, and green and blue spaces can help reduce exposure and vulnerability. Nature-based solutions, such as urban trees, parks, green roofs, restored waterways and sustainable drainage, can provide cooling, retain water and reduce flood risks while also supporting biodiversity, health and quality of life.

Adaptation also needs to account for social vulnerability and inequalities. Climate impacts do not affect everyone equally, and factors such as age, health, income, housing conditions and access to green space can influence people’s ability to prepare for and cope with extreme events. Inclusive planning and engagement with local communities can therefore help cities identify vulnerabilities and develop adaptation actions that strengthen resilience for everyone.