CPMR REGIONS ACT ON CLIMATE CHANGE - A concrete and strategic know-how - Europe en Bretagne
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CPMR REGIONS ACT ON CLIMATE CHANGE A concrete and strategic know-how
Member Regions
of the Conference
of Peripheral Maritime
EDITOrial
Regions (CPMR) Dear reader
The first signs of impact that can be As the following pages will show Regions
associated to climate change are already of the CPMR implement a wide array
observed on the ground. Coastal areas and of policies in the fields of renewable
islands most of all, being at the first line, energies, smart technologies, transports,
are the most vulnerable to intense climate financial innovation, social creativity
phenomena or disruptions of long-lasted as well as carbon emissions accounting
equilibriums. This publication is the first and assessment. All subjects which
of its kind and compiles information from will determine the success of the Paris
maritime regions all over the periphery agreement in the long run.
of Europe, who are witnessing such The CPMR will continue being present in
disruptions. the global dialogue on climate and advocate
At the very heart of a global response solidarity also towards fellow regions of the
to climate change, lies the need to reduce southern hemisphere. The CPMR promotes
greenhouse gas emissions and adapt a clear territorial dimension in climate
to a new climate reality. As the climate policies, which would undoubtedly enable
negociations in Paris demonstrate, the more effective tailor-made solutions and
Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions ultimately facilitate the implementation
(CPMR) feels strongly that there won’t be on the ground of the post-2020 global
an ambitious global climate policy without climate agreement.
the strong commitment of subnational
levels. Being closer to citizens and all Climate change constitutes the most
stakeholders of the civil society and more important challenge for sustainable human
flexible than national governments, the development in the 21st century. The
prospect of regions to deliver solutions mobilisation of all levels of governance
within their areas of competence is towards this global challenge is a
significant. Regions’ initiatives can and fundamental necessity to any solution.
will represent an important contribution This publication is the initial contribution
to the fight against climate change, of how Regions can deliver on grounds of
and is a key driver for the effective sustainability and long-lasting solutions.
adaptation of territories. Enjoy reading!
Vasco CORDEIRO
President of the CPMR,
President of the Azores Government
Document edited by Région Bretagne, in partnership
with the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR)
on the basis of a survey conducted among its member Regions
© Graphic design : www.pollenstudio.fr – Printed by : Média Graphic – November 2015CLIMATE CHANGE IS NO LONGER
A MERE HYPOTHESIS FOR CPMR
REGIONS
Every member region of the CPMR has a front row seat when it comes
to observing the initial effects of climate change in its territory. Although
the link between climate change and the rise in the frequency and intensity
The gradual rise in temperatures
of certain natural events has not always been scientifically proven, the following has direct environmental, social
reports are priceless in terms of the knowledge they provide and decisive and economic consequences. In French
in terms of the regions’ ability to cope with global warming. Polynesia, it has become more difficult
to grow pearls, in particular in the lagoons
The effects observed few years. Västra Götaland (Sweden), of Polynesian closed atolls. The flora and
which is in the same situation, is concerned fauna in Southern Holland are gradually
prove that ecosystems changing. In Hiiumaa (Estonia), global At the same time, new invasive species
are changing about the rising sea level. and harmful organisms have appeared
warming is delaying the formation
On land, the risks of forest fires have of sea ice, reducing the availability over the last few years. New parasites
Coastal erosion, which is becoming more and pathogens have been reported
marked because of the rise in sea levels significantly increased as a result of long of the ice roads that connect the island
periods of drought. Central Macedonia to the mainland. in Brittany (France) and Cornwall
and the increased frequency of storms, (United Kingdom). Increasing numbers
constitutes a threat to the environment (Greece), the Peloponnese, Northern
of cyanobacteria have been observed
and housing in certain regions such as Portugal (Portugal), Shkodër (Albania) and Changes in species in waters in the Hiiumaa region, a concern
Southern Holland (Netherlands), Pärnu Västra Götaland have all observed greater distribution are creating because excessive proliferation of these
(Estonia) and the Peloponnese (Greece). risks and all of them have introduced new challenges bacteria can be dangerous for humans
In the Skåne region (Sweden), coastal higher levels of surveillance.
and fatal for animals.
erosion poses a threat to almost 23,000 Because of changes in environmental
homes in the medium term and meanwhile There has been a noticeable change conditions, certain species are moving The ecosystem of Lake Shkodër,
Tuscany (Italy) has, over the past decade, in the distribution of rainfall. Catalonia, northwards to find the environment the largest fresh water lake in the Balkans,
lost 147,000m² of beaches. the Valencia region (Spain) or some they require and extend their territory. is now under threat from invasive species.
archipelagos of French Polynesia (France) Tiger mosquitoes, for example, have And last but not least, Provence-Alpes-
Major weather events are occurring with have had less rain and this has a knock-on appeared in Poitou-Charentes (France) Côte d’Azur is facing a challenge
greater frequency and are more intense. effect on crop growth, the characteristics and the movement of fish, jellyfish from the appearance of toxic fish
This has been reported by regions such of ecosystems and the replenishment and other living marine animals has been which are negatively impacting
as Aberdeen (United Kingdom) and Skåne, of aquifers. Wales (United Kingdom) observed by the regions of Alentejo on the biotope by feeding on its algae.
where the number and strength of storms and the Nord-Pas de Calais region (Portugal), Gozo (Malta), Hordaland
are increasing. Provence-Alpes-Côte in France have noted greater frequency (Norway), the Basque Country (Spain), To adapt to the consequences of climate
d’Azur (France) has regularly been the and intensity of rainfall, with stormwater Nord-Pas de Calais (France) and Central change, local measures have been
victim of coastal flooding over the past drains occasionally unable to cope. Greece. introduced by regions in the CPMR.
4 5CPMR REGIONS
HAVE INTRODUCED ADAPTIVE
STRATEGIES deal with rivers bursting their banks. The water resource management and planning.
Basque Country has drafted a provisional The Peloponnese is building infrastructures,
Global approaches have been introduced over the past decade or more, hydrographic timetable to prepare for tanks and retention basins for stormwater.
as well as specific systems aimed at managing flood risks and securing floods after periods of drought. Finally,
the plan drawn up by the region of Towns in Catalonia are being encouraged
access to fresh water.
Pärnu includes a guide to the measures to share local water resources to ensure
required for flooding or rivers in spate and fair distribution in case of need.
Adapting to climate entitled, Prévoir pour agir : Les impacts recommendations for building work. In the same vein, Provence-Alpes-Côte
change is often the subject du changement climatique en Aquitaine d’Azur has introduced “Guidelines
of a global strategy (Planning for Action: the Impact of To gain greater understanding of these for the Reasoned, Shared Use of Water
Climate Change in Aquitaine) and it is weather events and find more efficient Resources” (Schéma d’Orientations pour
General adaptive strategies have been continuing to implement a broad-spectrum ways of combating their occurrence, une Utilisation Raisonnée et Solidaire
developed. The Valencia region has approach, defining indicators to measure many members of the network have taken de la Ressource en Eau, SOURSE) to
produced a strategy that includes the extent of the effects of the changing a forward-looking view. Crete and the counter any spatial disparities made more
100 measures to tackle climate change, climate. Peloponnese are studying their wetlands, noticeable by a gradual drop in available
with actions specifically targeting which are extremely useful for their ability resources across the territory as a whole.
adaptation issues. All French regions Taking account of an to absorb and partly retain rainfall, while
have introduced a regional climate, air increasing flood risk French Polynesia has begun modelling Low rainfall, or rainfall concentrated in
and energy scheme (SRCAE) to implement, marine flooding caused by cyclones. only part of the year, has created recurrent
at local level, objectives that have been As far as the management of flood risks difficulties for certain regions. Faced with
defined nationally. Crete (Greece) is concerned, regions such as Aberdeen Systems have been introduced to combat a negative balance of fresh water, Gozo
and the Azores (Portugal) have included or Shkodër have introduced or updated flooding, in Skåne and Southern Holland, is renovating and building infrastructures
sections in their Operational Programme strategies that comply with the European for example. They involve sand carting to harvest and store rainwater while
and regional strategies dealing specifically Floods Directive (Directive No. 2007/60/ to beaches to slow erosion and prevent increasing public awareness of the need
with adaptation to climate change and, with CE). Others, such as Cornwall or Tuscany coastal flooding. for reasoned usage. On the island of
this in mind, have drafted regional plans. with a contingency plan of 190 million Réunion, a drought committee of experts
Euros for the improvement of its coastlines, Securing access to fresh is assisting the Prefect to ensure that,
CPMR Regions have also included have developed investment programmes water is a fundamental if the need arises, effective measures can
adaptation measures in their public for the introduction of effective tools issue be introduced to limit the use of water.
policies through studies with wide-ranging to combat the threats.
spatial and temporal components. In 2009, As regards security of access to fresh In addition to policies designed to improve
the Poitou-Charentes Region published Risk prevention plans are already in water, regions at risk are preparing their ability to cope with climate change,
a prospective study on potential impacts place in most CPMR regions. Hordaland, for potential extreme droughts. CPMR regions are making efforts in every
on its territory. Aquitaine (France), Central Macedonia, the Azores and The Alentejo region is working to ensure sector to mitigate the effects of human
for its part, has published a reference work Réunion (France) have drafted plans to the compliance of the legal framework on activities on the climate.
6 7CPMR REGIONS
The search for new
ARE RESOLUTELY COMMITTED sources of energy is
stimulating creativity
TO ENERGY TRANSITION in territories
CMPR regions play host to most of the
The diversity of the regions in the CPMR results in a very wide range Whether on the mainland or islands, CPMR technological innovations and projects
of initiatives being brought together within a single organisation. The wide regions are an ideal testing ground for the for sea-based energy production.
array of experiences is representative of diversity within Europe as a whole energy sources of the future. Bretagne Brittany is using marine current turbines
and has one objective – a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the design and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions, to capture energy from the sea, tidal
of new practices that make extensive use of technological, social, territorial among others, combine production and power is due to be captured in Wales by
and financial innovation. supply resources for renewable energies means of a manmade lagoon, La Reunion
in a smart grid, giving greater autonomy and Polynesia are using sea-water air
to isolated areas. An initiative of the conditioning (SWAC), the Basque Country
Innovation is the corner on sectors of business deemed Tuscany region led to the creation of a and Peloponnese are harnessing wave
stone of the Third to have the greatest potential. Cornwall technological cluster of more than 300 power, R&D centre in Mecklemburg-
Industrial Revolution and Wales have both designed ambitious companies dealing with energy efficiency, Pomerania... The maritime characteristics
policies for energy transition based on renewable energy and green economy. of CMPR regions provide a unique basis
Many regions have joined with civil society innovation. Poitou-Charentes is combining
for experimentation and industrial
to draft a global strategy for economic technological and territorial innovation Energy transition development.
and social change in their industrial fabric. by testing solar energy assessment tools encourages social
Authorities in Spain (Basque Country, that enable each community to know its innovation The use of gas in place of fossil fuels
Catalonia, Valencia), the UK (Wales, potential solar power production. is also being explored by CMPR members.
Cornwall) and France (Aquitaine, Brittany, CPMR Member Regions enjoy a direct For example, Aberdeen and Mecklemburg-
Poitou-Charentes, Provence-Alpes-Côte A negative carbon footprint is the aim relationship with civil society and they Pomerania are considering hydrogen
d’Azur) have decided to do this on a of regions such as Hiiumaa, which hopes have realised that energy transition is technology for their public transport
territorial level. For its part, the Nord-Pas to reduce its emissions by 102% compared impossible without the approval of their vehicles. Aquitaine and North Denmark are
de Calais region has decided to launch to the figures for 2005. Certain regions are citizens. Thus Mecklembourg-Pomerania promoting biogas, produced by anaerobic
change through a master plan inspired focusing their attention on an increase in (Germany), for example, systematically digestion. Other Regions, such as
by Jeremy Rifkin, author of the book, the use of renewable energies, sometimes involves local authorities and local people Tuscany, are exploring the development of
The Third Industrial Revolution. going far beyond the target figures set by in the building of wind farms so that its geothermal resources to create heat loops.
the European Union. One such is Northern citizens become co-operators.
Innovation plays a key role in any such Denmark (Denmark) with 43% of its energy Wales has set an extremely ambitious
change. In Brittany’s regional strategy provided by wind power, taking the total The same type of approach is being target – a 40% reduction in its emissions
for economic development, innovation produced by renewable energy sources to implemented by the regions of North and by 2020 by means of low carbon
and internationalisation (SRDEII), 66%. A number of regions are even aiming South Denmark, which take full advantage technologies, the development
ecological transition is central to the at totally abandoning the use of fossil fuels of the obligation imposed on operators of renewable energies and the creation
region’s future. The RIS3CAT research and - Västra Götaland is expected to achieve to offer 20% of wind farm shares to people of a carbon sink by planting 100,000
innovation strategy in Catalonia is based this by 2030. living within a 4.5 km radius of the site. hectares of forest.
8 9Smart technologies are Personal and public
rationalising energy usage transport is on the
The actions being taken by regions
threshold of a major
are not limited to energy production; change
a reduction in usage is an essential The reduction of emissions generated
additional component. The region of South
by transport is also among the actions
Denmark has invested 80 million euros in
being prioritised by our regions. The same principle was used by the
a smart grid that enables 14 towns to save
16,000 tonnes of carbon every year. In Hordaland at the beginning of 2015, Nord-pas de Calais region in 2004
30% of cars sold were electric, bringing when it launched its “Création
Catalonia is supporting the installation of a the current market share of electrically- Dévelopment Eco-Business” association
million smart meters in Barcelona to create powered vehicles to 4% of the total. and a partnership with the Ellen MacArthur
a new, more economic electricity supply Catalonia also aims to extend its fleet Foundation. The eco-business association
model with a more rational organisation. of electric vehicles, with 76,000 sales is spearheading industrial ecology,
Cornwall has set up the “Smart Cornwall per year thanks to the availability specialising in eco-production, industrial
business development team” to grow local of more than 90,000 charging points. ecology and eco-design. Monitoring the reduction
business initiatives and develop a domestic in carbon footprints
market capable of using locally-produced In some cases, the transport sector gives Energy transition requires is already planned for
technologies. Aberdeen is promoting priority to alternative sources of energy. new financial tools the post COP21 period
the “Accelerate Aberdeen” project By the end of 2015, all public vehicles
which combines digital technologies and in the Skåne region will be powered CMPR regions have had recourse Carbon footprints are being recorded
electricity supply. The Island of Réunion is by biogas; all its trains are already to a number of innovative financial tools. to calibrate progress, in systems
setting up a smart grid to manage energy powered by electricity produced Aberdeen has introduced European introduced by CPMR regions. Because
production and supply from some one by renewable energy. financial engineering to support its energy they have such in-depth knowledge
hundred photovoltaic panels. transition plans. Poitou-Charentes of their own territories, the regions
The circular economy has funded its solar energy project with are the ideal testing grounds in which to
CPMR regions have also become involved a 400 million euro loan from the European measure emissions and determine methods
in economic smart building policies reduces raw material Investment Bank. for the collation and checking of the data
that can be applied to the renovation waste supplied to them (MRV approach). They
of existing housing. Nord-pas de Calais, Cornwall’s Low Carbon Society are also key players in intended nationally
for example, has decided to renovate The CPMR’s regions make extensive use and Brittany’s Eilañ project have seen determined contributions (INDC).
a total of 100,000 homes by 2020. The of the principles of the circular economy. an investment fund being used as leverage
regions of Hiiumaa and Poitou-Charentes The Basque Country has set up to stimulate private investment and Both these subjects will be central in the
are researching positive energy housing. an ecodesign institute which integrates assist with renewable energy projects. follow-up to the Paris conference and the
In Brittany, the concept is being applied the potential future recycling of products The regions of Skåne and Aquitaine have CPMR regions fully intend to become part
to agricultural infrastructures. in the original design phase. created a regional carbon credit market. of this approach.
10 11THE CPMR, AN EXPERT NETWORK
IN THE TERRITORIALISATION our policies include encouraged research on relevant key topics
all aspects of climate and we also had to invent new financial
OF PUBLIC POLICIES protection tools to use European funds, grants and
loans at our best, as well as mobilizing local
CPMR regions from the Arctic Circle investors.
to the Mediterranean, from the Atlantic
It is not time for business appearance of pests, increasing scarcity to the Black Sea represent a unique data Finally through their own carbon footprint
of traditional species... bank for figures, facts and policies to disclosure, our regions anticipate one of
as usual the main aspects of the COP21 outcome.
tackle climate change in Europe. Through
With a new set of climate targets for 2030 In the years to come we will be at the first our experiences in physical, social and
Europe has the vision to continue leading line of defence against increasingly intense economic impacts of a warming climate as Together we deliver
the fight against climate change. However, phenomena. Climate change will enhance well as the intimate knowledge of our own
the fight will be won or lost on the ground, those disruptions and accelerate their territory we gather a first-hand inventory Our network, the Conference of Peripheral
secondary effects leading to aggravated of the early signs of climate change. Maritime Regions (CPMR), the oldest
as President Juncker put it in his first State
contrast between traditionally dry and most efficient network of regional
of the Union speech. The challenge of
and wet areas. The severe risks that we face on our authorities, reflects our creativity and
addressing climate change is global yet an
economies and also on social cohesion spirit of cooperation. Since 1973, within
effective response and long lasting results
require a decentralised implementation. regions are an essential require a bottom-up development of this collaboration platform, together we
Regions, among others, have a key role link for public policies policies, concrete plans and actions. have addressed our common challenges
Having assumed this role and responsibility and together we achieve our common
to play in the delivery of the EU climate Our competences in areas directly we have already taken action to adapt goals. Throughout these years, the CPMR
targets. influencing the levels of greenhouse gas to extreme phenomena, based on
emissions or addressing impacts of climate has worked very closely with the European
our experiences and competences.
The CPMR Regions are change are significant. We are closer to Our adaptation policies represent a wide
Parliament and the European Commission
on the front line citizens and we are more flexible compared array of territorial actions enshrined in and has gained valuable competence in the
to National Governments. A clear territorial global action plans or aiming at specific territorial dimension of EU policies as well
The peripheral and maritime regions dimension, as well as complementary aspects of climate disruptions. as in the implementation of those policies
of Europe are very vulnerable. Spread multi-level governance can undoubtedly at regional level. It is these characteristics
within the sea basins of the Baltic Sea, enable the successful formulation of We have also been engaged in the energy that can make CPMR a privileged
the North Sea, the Atlantic,the effective tailor-made climate policies. transition and can display extremely wide interlocutor of the European institutions in
Mediterranean and the Black Sea, Our initiatives, at regional level can scope of action in social innovation, new the context of the implementation of the
and island and outermost regions even represent an important contribution sources of renewable energy, smart grids post-2020 global climate agreement.
more, they already experience the first to greenhouse gas emissions’ reduction and building technologies optimizing
signs of climate change : stronger droughts for climate change mitigation, as well as energy use, low emission for individual The mobilisation of all levels of governance
and floods, longer and stronger heat to actions on the ground for adaptation and collective transports, circular economy towards this global challenge is a
waves, acceleration of coastal erosion, to a new climate reality. reducing waste. To this end, we have fundamental necessity to any solution.
12 13DRAWING ON THE WEALTH
OF REGIONAL EXPERIENCE
In this context, we, the CPMR Regions, Mobilise funds, build capacities and Further encourage and enable We are also ready to cooperate with
have assumed our role and responsibility strength institutional support to develop the implementation of concrete projects the European Parliament and the European
through a series of political commitments. and implement adaptation and mitigation on the ground across our territories on Commission to study and enhance the
We have committed to: plans and strategies in favour of: climate change mitigation, with emphasis territorial dimension of EU climate action,
- reducing greenhouse gas emissions, on renewable energy, energy efficiency and in particular in those areas where regions
Increase framework cooperation within transport, including maritime transport, have competences.
sea basins and identify, collect and share - developing new, more sustainable energy
as well as on adaptation to climate change.
relevant good and bad practices and solutions, The change of paradigm towards
case-studies - facilitating whenever possible marine Get further involved in innovative a more climate-friendly economy can be
energy production technologies, climate initiatives, such as Climate- an opportunity for a more collaborative
Promote peer-review for the potential Knowledge and Innovation Communities Europe, the invention of new forms
- setting the example of an industrial
for scaling up and replication within and (Climate-KIC). of development and active citizenship
model shift by boosting a low carbon
between sea basins, prioritizing key areas encouraging the creation of wealth
and circular economy,
where threats are faced, as for instance In addition, in the framework of the and jobs and the boost of innovation
floods, water management etc. - adapting to climate change in Bologna Charter, Mediterranean Regions and competitiveness.
continuation of the Mexico Pact (2010). have developed a Joint Action Plan
Further promote the use of inventories to protect the Mediterranean coasts and
and monitoring methods of our greenhouse Support and contribute to the
enhance their resilience to climate change.
gas emissions, as well as transparent creation of effective multilevel governance
reporting procedures. models to enhance the implementation The CPMR will continue working closely
of policies related to climate change with its member-regions to facilitate
mitigation, as for instance stated in the implementation of these commitments.
the Ljubljana Declaration aiming to With a forward-looking approach, we will
enhance energy efficiency in buildings be aiming at attracting investments in
in the Mediterranean. our territories and we will also be exploring
the available opportunities to benefit
from European funds that support research
and innovation.
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