Local and regional success stories of investing in disaster resilience

The European Union (EU) is increasingly experiencing extreme weather events linked to climate change, including floods, wildfires, and heatwaves. Recent incidents, such as the Central European floods in September 2024 and the Spanish floods in October 2024, underscore the growing severity of climate-induced hazards. These disasters have significant impacts on ecosystems, economies, public health, and overall well-being. In response, strengthening disaster resilience has become a key priority for EU authorities, including the Committee of the Regions (CoR), which aims to contribute to building more resilient communities.

Given the cross-border nature of climate risks, a collaborative and multi-level governance approach is essential. Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs) play a crucial role in developing tailored Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) strategies that reflect the specific needs of their communities. Unlike national policies that adopt broad measures, LRAs are uniquely positioned to implement localised disaster resilience efforts, such as risk assessments, early warning systems, and infrastructure projects designed for their respective regions. Furthermore, LRAs serve as a bridge between citizens and higher levels of governance, ensuring that resilience-building measures are both inclusive and community-driven.