Adaptation of Cities to Climate Change (Best Practices Review)

Abstract

The authors of the article are raising current issues related to climate change and global warming. Not all the countries are responding to these processes the same way and undertake joint complex efforts to mitigate climate change impacts. The authors have analyzed the existing legislations and actions for adaptation to climate change in the EU and separate European countries. “Covenant of Mayors”, ADAPT program, Joint Programming Initiative Urban Europe are considered in detail. Informational and awareness-raising work of state and educational entities is one of the main necessary actions to mitigate climate change negative impacts. The article presents the results of the opinion poll made by the European Social Survey, “Russian Public Opinion Research Center” (JSC “VCIOM”) and the investigations of German State Development Bank KfW on how citizens perceive climate change processes, their sense of personal responsibility and personal reaction. Also a brief review of educational programs of builders, urban developers and architects in European and Russian universities is added to the article. The conclusion of the authors is as such: it is necessary to intensify legislative measures for adaptation of cities to climate change, the stronger control of the amount of carbon dioxide emissions and coordinated actions in one region are needed. It is necessary to pay careful attention to climatic education of the students – future builders and urban developers.