When local authorities intervene, climate and energy actions taken in various sectors yield results, according to new JRC analyses. The results are tangible particularly where local authorities hold direct influence through planning, the development of infrastructure, or targeted awareness approaches.
However, forecasts based on municipalities’ plans show they are on the way to achieve 48.5% emissions cut by 2030. More action and greater policy support, as well as more investment are still urgently needed to fully meet the 2030 goals – cutting net emissions by at least 55% in comparison to 1990.
The analyses, published in two separate reports, have quantified the collective impact of over 10,000 EU 27 and EFTA municipalities committed to climate action. These municipalities act through the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (CoM-EU) initiative, the largest movement of local governments in Europe acting on climate change.
The findings point to tangible and significant progress in the ambition to reduce emissions, plan climate change adaptation and fight energy poverty with a holistic approach. In their plans, local authorities also indicate areas where accelerated action is needed and provide a clear roadmap for policymakers to prioritise future investments.
Cutting emissions from buildings and transport
Buildings and transport continue to dominate emissions and energy demand. They are responsible respectively for a 48% and 33% share of final energy consumption within municipal territories, and account for 57% and 36% respectively of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
To curb these figures, municipalities are implementing targeted measures spanning from setting standards for energy efficiency buildings, carrying out public awareness campaigns, providing tax incentives for clean vehicles, and building an active mobility infrastructure, such as bicycle lanes.
Clean electricity generation on the rise
Local renewable energy production is expanding strongly and contributing significantly to emissions reductions. Greater deployment of photovoltaic (PV) panels shows a remarkable increase in local electricity production, while wind energy has also expanded significantly. Electricity generation from hydropower has remained stable.
Together, these renewable sources have so far driven a 22% reduction in overall emissions in CoM-EU municipalities which have aligned their action to meet EU’s 2030 ambitions.
Mapping risks and vulnerabilities for climate change adaptation
The analyses show that municipalities demonstrate a thorough understanding of the specific climate hazards and vulnerable population groups in their territories (such as elderly people, low-income households and citizens living in sub-standard housing).
The most frequently reported hazards are extreme heat (in 91% of municipalities), heavy precipitation (in 87%), droughts and water scarcity (in 86%) and floods and sea-level rise (in 81%).
Planning for climate change adaptation is also becoming increasingly targeted and tailor-made. It takes into account identified hazards and vulnerabilities and couples them with suitable strategies, tailored to the specific context.
Tackling energy poverty
While still in its early stages, integrating energy poverty into local climate strategies is an accelerating trend, with 18% of municipalities adopting this pillar across various phases of their climate action journey. Notably, 94% of these municipalities have integrated energy poverty measures with the mitigation and adaptation pillars. This demonstrates a deeply holistic approach to climate planning at the local level.
Background
The CoM-EU’s assessments align with the broader objectives of the European Green Deal and the European Climate Law, which legally binds the EU to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. To secure this trajectory, the EU has established strict intermediate targets, committing to reducing GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels.
In parallel, the EU Climate Law positions climate adaptation as a fundamental component of the long-term response to global environmental shifts. This is supported by the EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, adopted in 2021, which outlines path-critical steps to make adaptation smarter, quicker, and more systemic across all governance levels, including local municipalities.
Similar analyses are conducted for other world regions – a new report assessing progress in municipalities in Eastern Partnership countries will be published soon.
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