COM4LGD Southern European Gathering in Athens
As Southern Europe contends with wildfires, heat, water scarcity and floods, climate resilience measures are increasingly non-negotiable. People who are already challenged to meet basic needs such as adequate and affordable housing are more vulnerable. In cities, it is long-since known that this group is growing.
The unfortunate combination of aging housing stock in need of retrofitting, short supply of affordable housing, and growing burden of energy poverty is becoming a more common story. Therefore, measures towards climate-resilient and affordable housing are a prudent way to enhance climate mitigation, adaptation, and social support.
The EU does not have a clear outlook for a climate-resilient housing based on this holistic approach, but there are several new entry points: the European Green Deal’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is underway and for the first time, a Commissioner has housing in their portfolio.
Through the Communities for Local Green Deals project, ICLEI Europe is hosting a strategic gathering for local governments, community initiatives and other like-minded organisations working at Southern Europe’s climate resilience – justice – housing – nexus.
Event participants will:
- Engage in deep conversations about this problem space and their collective asks of EU policymakers.
- Build connections with colleagues in Southern Europe through peer-learning and brainstorming scenarios for joint advocacy efforts.
- Experience a case of climate resilient housing through a site visit in Athens.
Findings will be shared with COM4LGD followers after the event. Stay tuned!
