“Following record-breaking May temperatures, it is very clear that we need a step-change in climate action, with local, regional and national governments working together on innovative new solutions to the climate crisis,” stated Meropi Ydraiou (Greece, EPP/CCE), Spokesperson on the Environment and Climate Change of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, ahead of World Environment Day (5 June).
“This year we pay tribute to the local and regional leaders who are taking bold steps to preserve nature and the communities they serve in the face of climate change, playing a leading role in adaptation and mitigation,” she said.
“Congress’ current work on coastal erosion, driven by climate change, shows that new forms of action are possible. The report on “How can we cope with coastal erosion?”, to be debated at the session in October 2026, points to escalating sea level rises which affect over a quarter of Europe’s coastlines. The report highlights the need for more ‘planned retreat’ – moving at-risk assets away from coasts – with local governments playing a key role in a multilevel governance approach. This will avoid higher long-term costs and enable communities to adapt – and even thrive – despite the evolving challenges of coastal erosion,” underlined the Congress Spokesperson.
Ms Ydraiou also pointed to the impending report on the loss of biodiversity – another major challenge for Europe where the bird population had declined by 25% over 40 years – and by nearly 60% in agricultural environments – and where there have been sharp falls in the number of bees and other pollinators. “We urgently need local and regional policies to promote nature-based solutions involving urban greening, sustainable urban development, community engagement and adequate funding,” said Ms Ydraiou. “We can only build sustainable cities and regions if local and regional authorities play their full role in these efforts, with the support from national governments,” she concluded.
Contact: Congress Communication Unit, tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 38 90
