The main objective of the project, which was implemented in partnership with the 44 major Polish cities, was to assess the sensitivity and vulnerability to climate change and to develop priority adaptation measures adequate to the identified risks for each city. The use of a common methodology enables further cooperation at the stage of implementing the plans, and the exchange of information and experience, also in relation to smaller cities and non-urbanized areas. Given the scale of the project, as wells as the number of partners and the use of a single methodology, it is worth noting that the project is unique at a European scale. The adaptation plans developed during the project will be adopted and formally binding for cities. Within the project the SEA procedure  and wide public consultation were included.

The implementation of this project is intended to fulfil the obligations arising from the Paris Agreement as well as objectives UN SDG 13. The project itself fulfils the condition included in the National Adaptation Strategy (SPA2020) concerning the development adaptation plans for cities with more than 100 000 inhabitants. The biggest challenge that is currently faced by cities is the implementation of plans, and thus taking specific adaptation measures, which also involves finding sources of financing. The Ministry provides assistance in this regard, both in the context of domestic and EU funds.

Every city copes with the climate hazards specific to its structure and conditions. Poland is highly diversified in this respect. The extreme weather phenomena being encountered in Poland include e.g. high temperatures (with regular increase in the mean annual temperature), heavy rainfalls and cloudbursts. Floods, inundations or droughts are the immediate hazards for the inhabitants’ safety, their housing situation and urban infrastructure. Climate changes bring about also the problem of water deficiency and the development of invasive species threatening human health. The increase in morbidity is related also e.g. to heat waves.

The most important area of ​​intervention resulting from 44 urban adaptation plans concerns the development of blue-green infrastructure and sustainable rainwater management systems.  Green and blue infrastructure integrated with rainwater management systems play a significant role in climate adaptation (including decrease of pluvial flooding risk, connected inter alia with flash floods, and provide opportunities to use of retained rainwater in dry spells) but also increase water quality, recreation opportunities and landscape quality as well as improve ground water stock, habitat function and biodiversity.

 Read more: http://44mpa.pl/?lang=en