On the risks associated with transitioning to climate neutrality in Europe: A city perspective

Abstract

Extensive scientific literature exists on the risks associated with climate change in cities. Contrarily, the analysis on the risks local governments face in moving towards zero emissions targets is sparse, topical, and local. In this study, we provide a first-of-its-kind synoptic risk analysis directly based on cities’ experiences, inputs, and prospects for the future, collated through the questionnaire to express interest in the European Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030. This novel dataset contains a variety of information 362 cities provided in relation to all critical (technological and non-technological) elements that contribute to climate mitigation, while enucleating the risks that may arise along the way. The analysis focuses on nine risk domains (including political, financial, regulatory, operational, organisational, collaborative, social, environmental, and safety/security risks) and delves into possible solutions. These insights will be extremely useful and timely to i) design precautions and safeguards, ii) motivate new policies and instruments, iii) inform assistance services and forms of support, and iv) inspire other cities in the creation of an enabling and inclusive environment for zero-emission futures. Furthermore, the analysis reveals a substantial lack of supportive scientific literature when it comes to non-technological aspects of the transition to climate neutrality.