Urban changes

Ten cities and regions across eight EU member states are to collaborate in developing policies that will help them adapt to climate change, which will include increasing green spaces.

The project, known as Green and Blue Space Adaptation Strategies for Climate Change in Urban Areas and EcoTowns (GraBS), is led by Dr Jeremy Carter from Manchester University and managed by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA). It aims to raise awareness among local and regional authorities about which neighbourhoods are most vulnerable to the impact of climate change and devise approaches to help them respond.

According to Carter, heat waves, flooding and subsidence will be the main threat to cities that have not adapted to climate change. Proposals include using urban green spaces, and waterways and lakes, areas otherwise know as blue space.

‘The need for cities to adapt to climate change is enormous,’ said Carter. ‘If we protect and enhance green and blue space and encourage sustainable urban development then a viable future for our cities can be achieved.