The Influence of Drivers and Barriers on Urban Adaptation and Mitigation Plans—An Empirical Analysis of European Cities

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135597
• Publication Date: 2015-08-28T14:45:26Z
• Authors: Diana Reckien; Johannes Flacke; Marta Olazabal; Oliver Heidrich
• Keywords: Vulnerability; Adaptive capacity; Scope (computer science)

Cities are recognised as key players in global adaptation and mitigation efforts because the majority of people live cities. However, Europe, which is highly urbanized one most advanced regions terms environmental policies, there considerable diversity regional distribution, ambition scope climate change responses. This paper explores potential factors contributing to such 200 large medium-sized cities across 11 European countries. We statistically investigate institutional, socio-economic, vulnerability characteristics drivers or barriers development urban plans. Our results show that membership networks, population size, GDP per capita adaptive capacity act By contrast, unemployment rate, warmer summers, proximity coast projected exposure future impacts barriers. see that, overall, it predominantly prosperous engage planning, while vulnerable those at risk severe less active. analysis suggests planning not proactive, i.e. significantly influenced by anticipated impacts. Instead, we found current a city relates planning. Along with need further explore these relations, for more economic institutional support smaller resourceful high from future.