European Climate Adaptation Newsletter

European Climate Adaptation Newsletter		Issue March 1, 2022

EU policies and EEA activities
1. Urgent need to adapt to massive impacts of climate change highlighted in the latest IPCC report The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its latest report on the impacts, adaptation and vulnerabilities related to climate change, the Working Group II contribution to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report. One of the report’s main findings is that climate change induced by humanity is already impacting nature and people more intensely, more frequently and over a wider geographical area than previously thought. The report’s findings reinforce the need for Europe to become more climate resilient and prepare for the inevitable impacts of the climate crisis. << Read more			© IPCC

2. EU Mission 'Adaptation to Climate Change': updated work programme and info day recordings available The EU Missions information days, held on 18 and 19 January 2022, presented new calls for proposals under the recently updated Work Programme of the EU Mission 'Adaptation to Climate Change'. Prospective applicants were given specific information on the Work Programme topics, funding opportunities and timelines. << Read more		© European Commission

3. Economic losses from weather extremes in Europe reached around half a trillion euros over past 40 years Extreme weather events like storms, heatwaves, and flooding accounted for economic losses of around half a trillion euros over the past 40 years and led to between 85,000 and 145,000 human fatalities across Europe. Less than one-third of these losses were insured, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) analysis of economic losses and fatalities from weather and climate-related events. << Read more on the report		© Tony Gallicchio / Climate Change PIX-EEA

4. Climate-ADAPT strategy 2022 – 2024 released The new EU Adaptation Strategy, published in 2021, states that the European Climate Adaptation Platform, Climate-ADAPT, is currently a key reference for knowledge on adaptation, with a view to it becoming the authoritative European platform for adaptation. After consultation with all relevant Climate-ADAPT stakeholders in 2021, the European Commission and the European Environment Agency published the Climate-ADAPT strategy for the next 3 years. The strategy describes the priorities and actions needed to meet this new ambition. << Read more		© EEA

5. The European Investment Bank and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts agree to leverage Copernicus for smart climate adaptation The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding setting out a framework for cooperation on the enhanced use of Copernicus Earth observation data. As part of the Climate Bank Roadmap 2021-2025, the EIB committed to substantially increase climate adaptation efforts and ensure that all the operations it supports are adapted to current weather variability and future climate change impacts. The new cooperation agreement with ECMWF will support it in achieving these objectives. << Read more		© Copernicus Programme

6. Conference on the Future of Europe: citizens' recommendations debated On 21 and 22 January 2022, the Future of Europe Conference Plenary took stock of the 90 recommendations made by, among others, two European Citizens' Panels and national Citizens' Panels covering adaptation to climate change in Europe. The debates revolved around the recommendations from the two European Citizens' Panels that have finalised their work, in which some 200 Europeans of different ages and backgrounds met. << Read more		© European Commission

7. Policy brief: 'Looking back at the 5th European Climate Change Adaptation Conference (ECCA 2021)' This paper looks in retrospect at ECCA 2021, organised in May and June 2021, and discusses the key messages of this conference. It also explores how Europe can support adaptation around the world, which was the topic of discussion during a COP26 side-event that was co-hosted by ECCA 2021. << Read more		© European Commission

8. LIFE platform meeting: Boosting awareness and engagement on climate action In October 2021, the EU LIFE Programme held a special online platform meeting to encourage the European Climate Pact’s implementation. LIFE climate action projects, also covering adaptation to climate change, have a lot in common with the European Climate Pact’s objectives. LIFE projects staff, NGOs and other stakeholders from across Europe united to discuss how best to support the European Climate Pact. << Read more		© Fokke de Jong

European Climate and Health Observatory
9. Europeans see climate change as top challenge for the EU Nine out of 10 young Europeans agree that tackling climate change can help improve their own health and well-being, while 84% of those aged 55 or over agree. Almost every second European (49%) sees climate change as the main global challenge for the future of the EU, according to a special Eurobarometer on the Future of Europe << Read more		© docman / Freeimages.com

10.  Global long-term mapping of surface temperature shows intensified intra-city urban heat island extremes The Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI) increases the risk of heat-related human illnesses and mortality. Previous global studies analysed this phenomenon aggregated at city scale or over seasonal and annual time periods, while human impacts strongly depend on shorter term heat stress experienced locally. Results published in the journal ‘Global Environmental Change’, show that across urban areas worldwide over the period 2003-2020, 3-day SUHI extremes are on average more than twice as high as the warm-season median SUHI. << Read more		© Fokke de Jong

11. Green space in European cities is key to well-being, but access varies High-quality green and blue spaces in cities, like parks, riverbanks and coastlines are crucial for health and well-being, in particular for the elderly, children and people on low incomes. A European Environment Agency briefing shows that access is not equal, and that cities in the north and west of Europe tend to have more green space than cities in southern and eastern Europe. << Read more		© Antonio Farto / Climate Change PIX-EEA

12. European Innovation Council Horizon Prize on Early Warning for Epidemics: Commission awards €5 million to winning project The European Commission launched a prize to reward the best Earth observation-based prototype to forecast and monitor vector-borne diseases. The winner of the €5 million European Innovation Council (EIC) Horizon Prize on Early Warning for Epidemics is Greece-based project EarlY WArning System for Mosquito-borne Diseases (EYWA). The EYWA project transforms scientific knowledge into a decision-making tool, contributing significantly to combatting and controlling the threat of mosquito-borne diseases. << Read more		© EYWA

13. The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment contributes tot he international approach to climate change and health A special edition of the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) magazine on climate change and health showcases the knowledge and advice that is contributing to solutions for health-related climate impacts at local, regional, national and international levels. Featured topics in this edition include: international approach to health effects of climate change; five questions about climate change and infectious disease; greener streets in Dutch cities; public focus on wind turbines and health. << Read more		© Mert Kahveci / Unsplash

14. Three new health related case studies published on Climate-ADAPT Three case studies on health related to adaptation to climate change were recently published in the Health Observatory: ‘Nurses Climate Challenge Europe: A campaign to engage health professionals on the impacts of climate change on health’, and ‘Climate Crisis and Health: Education of health professionals for Transformative Action’ and ‘Communal action group to control mosquitoes — Upper Rhine Plain, Germany’. << Read more about Nurses Climate Challenge Europe << Read more about the Planetary Health Academy << Read more about the action group to control mosquitoes		© bmarques88 / FreeImages.com

Climate-ADAPT – new features
15. Climate-ADAPT supported by a new European Topic Centre Climate-ADAPT is jointly managed by the European Commission (DG CLIMA) and the EEA. A new consortium of experts of the European Topic Centre on Climate change adaptation and LULUCF (ETC CA) is now supporting the EEA in the operational management of Climate-ADAPT with new expertise by maintaining the Climate-ADAPT database and web content, supporting Climate-ADAPT’s dissemination and its monitoring, reporting and evaluation, and supporting IT-related work. << Read more		© European Topic Center

Research and assessments
16. ETC Technical paper released about assessment frameworks of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction Nature-based solutions (NbS) play an increasing role in both adaptation and disaster risk management. This is also recognized within several global and European agreements and policies. This technical report, published by the European Topic Centre on Climate Change Adaptation, provides a concise overview of available NbS assessment approaches in the context of adaptation to climate change and disaster risk reduction. It is based on information from literature and selected European cases. << Read more		© Barcelona’s City Council

17. Global Risks Report 2022 The 17th edition of the Global Risks Report of the World Economic Forum identifies tensions that will result from diverging trajectories and approaches within and between countries and then examines the risks, such as climate action failures leading to extreme weather events (described in Chapter 2), that could arise from such tensions. This year’s report highlights the implications of these risks for governments, businesses, and individuals. << Read more		© Fokke de Jong

18. Policy paper released on nature-based solutions and global climate protection The German Environment Agency released a policy brief with findings from a study examining the role of NbS for global climate protection, including considering their relevance for adaptation to climate change. It provides a critical assessment of global mitigation potentials of NbS in forests, grasslands, and terrestrial and coastal wetlands and provides recommendations for international climate policy. The results show that the potential of NbS to mitigate emissions is probably overestimated in the scientific literature due to various factors. << Read more		© Norbert Kerekes / Climate Change PIK-EEA

19. Improving water management and resilience to extreme weather events: TEACHER-CE Toolbox released The Interreg funded TEACHER-CE project (joinT Efforts to increase water management Adaptation to climate CHanges in central EuRope) has launched the CC-ARP-CE tool as the project’s main output. This online platform aims to support stakeholders of water management in integrated strategies and actions to adapt to climate change and to prevent and reduce the associated risks for the Central part of Europe. << Read more		© TEACHER-CE project

20. Rainy days harm the economy Economic growth goes down when the number of wet days and days with extreme rainfall go up, according to a study published in Nature. Rich countries are most severely affected with their manufacturing and service sectors hardest hit. Analysis of data from more than 1,500 regions over the past 40 years shows a clear correlation and suggests that intensified daily rainfall driven by climate-change from burning fossil fuels will harm the global economy. << Read the summary of the article		© Max notquitemax / Unsplash

21. Coastal landfill and sea level rise: an international study There is concern that waste disposal sites along European coasts pose an increasing risk to the environment through the potential release of waste into the sea and onto beaches as a result of sea level rise. The purpose of this scientific publication is to assess the need for research on the management of waste storage sites located on the coast. << Read more		© Fokke de Jong

Transnational, national and local activities
22. Final report from the Stepping Up Knowledge Exchange between Climate Adaptation Platforms (KE4CAP) project now available Web-based climate adaptation knowledge platforms play a vital role in providing access to high-quality information essential to support adaptation action. By facilitating a series of knowledge-exchange activities between 30 platforms around the world, the KE4CAP project, which was funded by the European Commission, has created an active community of practice with members sharing insights and ideas to help deliver the best possible support for platform users. The report provides a synthesis of all project activities and outputs and is aimed at informing developers and operators of adaptation knowledge platforms. << Read more		© KE4CAP project

23. Two new publications help cities adapt to and mitigate climate change In its role as part of the Covenant of Mayors, ICLEI Europe has developed two publications to help local authorities implement effective climate change adaptation and mitigation actions. The first publication draws on the EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, among other strategic documents aiming to forge a climate-resilient Europe by 2050. The second publication covers multi-level governance of climate action. << Read more		© WageningenUR

24. Scientific opinion paper on Urban Greening Plans published To systematically bring nature back to cities, the EU Biodiversity Strategy calls upon cities with over 20,000 inhabitants to develop Urban Greening Plans (UGP). The German Environment Agency and ICLEI have formulated concrete recommendations for a guideline on Urban Greening Plans that should support cities to design and implement UGP. << Read more		© SMariluz Fernandez, My City/EEA

25. Blauer Kompass 2022: new edition of yearly Adaptation Award launched in Germany The ‘Blauer Kompass’ Adaptation Award is the highest state award in Germany for climate adaptation projects, organised by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), and the German Environment Agency (UBA). The aim of the competition, which runs from 18 January to 25 March 2022, is to present solutions for preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change, such as heat, droughts and severe rain. The awards ceremony will be held on 16 September 2022. << Read more		© BMUV & UBA

Events

8 - 9 March 2022. European Climate Research Alliance (ECRA) General Assembly. Celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Online and Brussels, Belgium           << Read more​ 16 March 2022. Addressing climate change impacts on health through national policies, online           << Registration 25 March - 1 April 2022. Consortium of Universities of Global Health — 2022 Annual Conference, online            << Read more 31 May - 2 June 2022. Third international symposium on Climate Change & Water: Extreme events, Tours, France            << Read more

ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΟΣ ΜΠΟΥΡΑΣ:ολοκλήρωση αστικοποίησης συγκοινωνίας στο Δήμο Μάνδρας-Ειδυλλίας

ΒΟΥΛΗ ΤΩΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΩΝ
ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΟΣ ΜΠΟΥΡΑΣ
Αντιπρόεδρος
Βουλευτής Δυτικής Αττικής – ΝΕΑ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ

Αθήνα, 1.3.2022

 

Οι πολύμηνες και επίμονες προσπάθειες τόσο σε πολιτικό, όσο και σε υπηρεσιακό επίπεδο, που ξεκίνησαν με τον πρώην Υφυπουργό Υποδομών και  Μεταφορών, Γιάννη Κεφαλογιάννη, και συνεχίστηκαν με τον νυν Υφυπουργό Υποδομών και  Μεταφορών, Μιχάλη Παπαδόπουλο, απέδωσαν σήμερα καρπούς με την ολοκλήρωση της αστικοποίησης της συγκοινωνίας στα Βίλια και στις Ερυθρές του Δήμου Μάνδρας – Ειδυλλίας.

Μετά από πολλές και πολύωρες συσκέψεις του Αντιπροέδρου της Βουλής και Βουλευτή Δυτικής Αττικής, Θανάση Μπούρα, με τον Πρόεδρο του Οργανισμού Αστικών Συγκοινωνιών Αθηνών, Ιωάννη Γκόλια και αρμόδιους υπηρεσιακούς παράγοντες και με την ενεργό συμμετοχή του Αντιπεριφερειάρχη Δυτικής Αττικής Λευτέρη  Κοσμόπουλου, του Δημάρχου Μάνδρας – Ειδυλλίας Χρήστου Στάθη,  του Προέδρου της Δημοτικής Ενότητας Βιλίων Κωνσταντίνου Μακρυνόρη, του Αντιδημάρχου Ερυθρών Μιχάλη Σακελλάρη, του Προέδρου του ΚΤΕΛ Αττικής Γεώργιου Παπαδομιχελάκη, αποφασίστηκε ότι από 1^η Απριλίου θα ξεκινήσει να λειτουργεί η αστική συγκοινωνία για την κάλυψη των περιοχών Βιλίων και Ερυθρών.

Συγκεκριμένα για τη βελτίωση της συγκοινωνιακής εξυπηρέτησης των κατοίκων της Δυτικής Αττικής και ιδιαίτερα των περιοχών του Δήμου Μάνδρας-Ειδυλλίας, προγραμματίζεται η επέκταση, από 1^η Απριλίου, της διαδρομής της γραμμής ΕΛΕΥΣΙΝΑ-ΜΑΝΔΡΑ-ΟΙΚΙΣΜΟΣ ΤΙΤΑΝ (861), για ορισμένα δρομολόγια, έτσι ώστε να καλυφθούν συγκοινωνιακά με αστικά λεωφορεία, οι περιοχές Βιλίων και Ερυθρών.

Καθημερινά τα παρακάτω δρομολόγια στη γραμμή 861, θα εξυπηρετούν επιπλέον τις προαναφερόμενες περιοχές:

Από Ελευσίνα προς Βίλια-Ερυθρές	Από Ερυθρές προςΒίλια-Ελευσίνα
06.30	5.05
12.45	8.00
16.55	14.15
18.00	18.25
	19.30

Τα υπόλοιπα δρομολόγια της γραμμής 861 θα εκτελούν κανονικά τη σημερινή διαδρομή μέχρι τον οικισμό ΤΙΤΑΝ.

Με τον τρόπο αυτό αναβαθμίζεται σημαντικά η συγκοινωνιακή εξυπηρέτηση των κατοίκων των περιοχών Βιλίων και Ερυθρών, δεδομένου ότι σήμερα εξυπηρετούνται με 2 δρομολόγια ανά κατεύθυνση από υπεραστικά λεωφορεία του ΚΤΕΛ Αττικής, τα οποία και θα διατηρηθούν.

Παράλληλα εξετάζεται από τον Ο.Α.Σ.Α., σε συνεργασία με την Τοπική Αυτοδιοίκηση, η κάλυψη της περιοχής των Μεγάρων με αστική συγκοινωνία, καθώς επίσης και η δυνατότητα λειτουργίας σταθμού μετεπιβίβασης λεωφορείων στην Ελευσίνα.

Ο κ. Μπούρας αισθάνεται την ανάγκη να ευχαριστήσει ιδιαιτέρως, τόσο για τις συντονισμένες προσπάθειες που κατέβαλαν, όσο και για την άριστη συνεργασία, την ηγεσία του Υπουργείου Υποδομών και Μεταφορών: τον νυν Υφυπουργό, Μιχάλη Παπαδόπουλο, τον πρώην Υφυπουργό, Γιάννη Κεφαλογιάννη, αλλά και τον Πρόεδρο του Οργανισμού Αστικών Συγκοινωνιών Αθηνών, Ιωάννη Γκόλια.

Επίσης ευχαριστεί τους κ.κ. Κοσμόπουλο, Στάθη, Μακρυνόρη και Σακελλάρη για την από κοινού προσπάθεια στην επίτευξη αυτού του σημαντικού στόχου.

Ο Αντιπρόεδρος της Βουλής κ. Μπούρας αισθάνεται ιδιαίτερη ικανοποίηση που ολοκληρώθηκαν οι πολύμηνες προσπάθειες και δόθηκε μόνιμη λύση για την αστική συγκοινωνιακή εξυπηρέτηση των κατοίκων των Βιλίων, Ερυθρών και Οινόης που ήταν πολύχρονο και διαρκές αίτημα.

 

 

 

Βουλή των Ελλήνων, 100 21 Αθήνα-τηλ.:2103708401-2, Fax: 2103707888

Θεμιστοκλέους 3, 10677 Αθήνα, Τηλ.: 210 3303066, Φαξ: 210 3301970

e-mail: vice.president_c@parliament.gr, bouras@parliament.gr

The Obama Foundation

Hi there, We are thrilled to announce that the first piece in our series of commissioned art for the Obama Presidential Center will be created by Chicago-based artist Richard Hunt!  Watch this video to learn more about Richard’s story and to see a special preview of the sculpture he will create for the Center.   Richard Hunt was born and raised in the Woodlawn neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago and has made history throughout his decades-long career. President Obama describes him as “one of the greatest artists Chicago ever produced.”  We believe art is a powerful mechanism to discover our common ground, as well as inspire and empower our visitors to be change agents in their communities. We’re working to elevate the importance of art throughout the Obama Presidential Center, and we hope that the sculpture Richard will create for the Reading Garden outside the Center’s Chicago Public Library branch will inspire community members and visitors from around the world. —The Obama Foundation    Donate to bring the Obama Presidential Center to life. DONATE             ⓒ 2022 Obama Foundation

CDC,update

February 28, 2022
This message includes updates on the COVID-19 response from CDC. The COVID-19 Outbreak is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.

COVID-19 Community Levels

COVID-19 Community Levels are a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data.

Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area.

Layered prevention strategies — like staying up to date on vaccines, screening testing, ventilation and wearing masks — can help limit severe disease and reduce the potential for strain on the healthcare system.

Some community settings such as schools and congregate settings might include additional layers of prevention (e.g., physical distancing, contact tracing) based on information and data about the characteristics of the setting.

Take precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 based on the COVID-19 Community Level in your area.

Low
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines

Get tested if you have symptoms

Medium

If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions

Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines

Get tested if you have symptoms

High

Wear a mask indoors in public

Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines

Get tested if you have symptoms

Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness

People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone
with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

Learn More

COVID-19 by County

COVID-19 Community Levels can help communities and individuals make decisions based on their local context and their unique needs,

With current high levels of vaccination and high levels of population immunity from both vaccination and infections, the risk of medically significant disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 is greatly reduced for most people. At the same time, we know that some people and communities, such as our oldest citizens, people who are immunocompromised, and people with disabilities, are at higher risk for serious illness and face challenging decisions navigating a world with COVID-19.
Know your COVID-19 community level and take precautions to protect yourself and others


Learn More




Use and Care of Masks

Staying up to date on vaccines and wearing masks can help prevent severe illness and reduce the potential for strain on the healthcare system. People may choose to mask at any time. Wear a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort for you.

You may choose to wear a mask or respirator that offers greater protection in certain situations, such as when you are with people at higher risk for severe illness, or if you are at higher risk for severe illness.

People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

It is important to wear a mask or respirator when you are sick or caring for someone who is sick with COVID-19. When caring for someone who is sick with COVID-19, a respirator will provide you the best level of protection.

When the COVID-19 Community Level where you live is high, wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status or individual risk (including in K-12 schools and other community settings).
Learn More



COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review

CDC is updating the way it monitors COVID-19’s impact on our communities by looking at each county’s COVID-19 hospitalizations, hospital capacity, and number of cases. In this way, CDC can better inform community-specific recommendations for preventing COVID-19.
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Learn More

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S.

February 28, 2022

US states, territories, and District of Columbia have reported 78,759,083 cases of COVID-19 in the United States.
CDC provides updated U.S. case information online daily.
In addition to cases, deaths, and laboratory testing, CDC's COVID Data Tracker now has a Vaccinations tab to track distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in your state.


U.S. Cases

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30329 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: 888-232-6348

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participates in teleconference meeting with..

 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participates in teleconference meeting with President of the United States of America Joe Biden, Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio, and European leaders on Russia and the situation in Ukraine

February 28, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participated in a teleconference meeting with the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, and the leaders of the European Commission, the European Council, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Poland, Romania, and the United Kingdom to discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The leaders strongly condemned the large-scale military aggression by Russia against the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine. They expressed grave concerns regarding reports of Russian attacks on civilian areas in a number of Ukrainian cities. The leaders stressed that Russia’s actions threaten peace and stability in Europe and around the world. The actions also threaten democracy, and are blatant violations of international law that will not be tolerated. They called on Russia to halt its invasion and withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territory immediately.

The leaders noted the critical importance of strong collective action to support the Ukrainian government and people, and of demonstrating to Russia that it will pay an enormous cost for its unprovoked war. To this end, the leaders discussed the heavy, punitive sanctions against President Putin and others in Russia who are directly responsible for this tragedy, and their intention to continue to expand these measures should Russia’s aggression continue. They also condemned the role of Belarus in facilitating the Russian invasion.

The leaders discussed the emerging humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, and commended Poland, Romania and other countries for their support for Ukrainians fleeing violence. They agreed to enhance efforts to strengthen the security of neighbouring countries, and the need to increase humanitarian support.

The leaders noted that Russia’s senseless war had brought peaceful, democratic countries together in support of Ukraine, as demonstrated by the highly coordinated actions by the international community, including the G7, the European Union, and NATO. They called on all countries to join the effort to demonstrate to Russia that illegal wars of aggression have no place in the 21st century.

The leaders agreed to continue coordinating closely.

Associated links

• Canada’s engagement in Ukraine
• Canada’s response to the crisis in Ukraine
• Canada announces additional measures to support Ukraine
• Statement by NATO Heads of State and Government on Russia’s Attack in Ukraine
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland speak with Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shymal