Copenhagen ranked the world's most climate resilient city

Approximately one year ago, Copenhagen experienced one of the heaviest rainfalls in its history, resulting in flooded cellars, streets, and major arterial roads. The City of Copenhagen decreed that water should only flood this way once every ten years, yet on July 2, 2011, an even larger cloudburst poured upon the city. Although longer periods of drought and heavier rainfall will become more common in the future, Copenhagen appears well-equipped to combat these climate change issues having been ranked the world’s most climate resilient city.

As the focal point for sustainability in Europe and the world, Copenhagen’s people, organisations, and politicians have all taken a serious and progressive approach in achieving a low-carbon future. With aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20% in the next four years, Copenhagen’s vision for a sustainable future relies on ambitious goals and proactive thinking. In this way, it is no surprise that Copenhagen is striving to become the world’s first carbon neutral capital by 2025, primarily through investments in renewable energy. In fact, wind energy already produces 22% of Denmark’s total electrical consumption, and this number is expected to increase as further investments are made in the future.

Through the many initiatives to be implemented, Copenhagen’s Climate Adaption Plan serves as an important tool which focuses on the larger picture: the weather of the future is changing. Warmer temperatures, heavier rainfall, and rising sea levels are real challenges that can be solved through green growth and climate adaption. In order for Copenhagen to become adaptive to the future’s environment, a strong focus is being placed on four platforms of development and growth potential: knowledge and skills, network and public-private partnerships, regulations and planning, and financing - all which are crucial for the city's green growth strategy.

Solutions to adapting to climate change also focus on the individual, the social, and the urban environment at large. An advanced waste management system, which relies on support from individuals and organizations, aims to improve recycling, advance organic waste treatment, and centrally locate waste facilities. In terms of moving people within the city, Copenhagen has made cycling safe and convenient with nearly 40% of residents commuting to school or work by bicycle. Through integrating different transportation options, including the metro, bus, and train services, climate-friendly alternatives to the private automobile are efficient and affordable. 

Copenhagen’s status as the world’s most climate resilient city is attributable to the efforts of countless individuals. Each time a Copenhagener rides their bicycle through the streets, a positive difference is made. With every rotation of a wind turbine, greener and cleaner energy is produced. As politicians support visionary plans and ideas, a more sustainable future is achieved. If other cities wish to emulate Copenhagen's success and vision, it is crucial that support comes from all those living within an urban area, politicians and citizens alike.

Further reading: 
Blog entry, The Water Issue
Blog entry, The Climate Change Intensifies