URBAN CLIMATE PLANNING IN SPAIN AND ITALY: BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Cities are where most of the overall primary energy is consumed, GHG emissions are released [1] and where people are more and more frequently affected by the adverse effects of climate change [2]. On the other hand, cities are the ideal framework for implementing low-carbon policies [3] and adaptation strategies through a strategic planning process shared with citizens and local stakeholders [4]. All these challenges converging in cities require integrated solutions to pick up the challenge of climate change, assuming a leading role in the transition pathway towards a more sustainable future [5]. This study presents the state-of-art of the urban climate action plans developed in two countries, Spain and Italy, which share similarities on many levels (i.e. cultural, geographical, climate vulnerabilities, urban configurations and institutional framework). In particular, the study analyses the climate actions undertaken by a sample of 26 and 32 Spanish and Italian cities respectively, which are included in the Eurostat Urban Audit database, as described in [6-8]. The study tries to understand why and how cities have started action to reduce their contribution to climate change and become more resilient, investigating also the influence of national and international climate alliances. The willingness and preparedness of these cities to cope with climate change is investigated through an in-depth analysis of mitigation and adaptation plans and programs in the selected cities in terms of emission targets set, emissions accountability methods adopted, topics included and actions taken. A careful review of the main institutional, socio-economic, environmental and vulnerability characteristics of the 58 analyzed cities allows to shed light on the potential barriers and opportunities to the development of urban climate change plans in these two Mediterranean countries.