For the second year in succession climate change action has topped the list of the most important issues facing the mayors of Europe’s cities.
The latest Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey polled 92 mayors across 29 countries in the European Union and, in an annual survey where respondents can choose a number of answers, 67% nominated climate action as the main priority.
Next was social inclusion and equity, cited by 31%, with affordable housing next at 30% followed by sustainable mobility and urban planning and infrastructure.
Ninety-four percent of the respondents said funding was the main challenge in implementing policies to address climate change.
While nominating climate action as the main priority, the survey also showed that the mayors were concerned about the public backlash to green policies in cities such as London and Brussels, where citizens have protested against restrictions on car use and measures to improve air policies. 38% of the mayors said this was a concern.
“Unlike many populist politicians, mayors do not oppose ecological and social needs. Rather, they aim to work simultaneously on both challenges to develop a just transition where no one is left behind,” said André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities.
“Many cities lack the capacity to meet their climate targets, while others are struggling to meet the housing needs of the most vulnerable people. If this situation does not improve, we risk a huge backlash among citizens”.
On the backlash against climate action policies, Sobczak said the “vast majority” of mayors were confident that ambitious climate goals were widely supported by citizens.
There was a difference in what actions the mayors would take. While almost 25% of the mayors want more urban vegetation, one in five want more nature based solutions while 10% cited the adaptation of buildings.
Affordable housing is rapidly becoming a concern, with the percentage saying this is a priority doubling over the previous survey from 15% to more than 33%.
