The Western Balkans face increasing challenges from climate change, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent since the 2000s. A new report titled "Reshaping Cities" examines how cities in this region can become more resilient to natural disasters while remaining competitive and livable. The report focuses on six economies: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
Small and medium-sized cities in the Western Balkans are particularly vulnerable to climate shocks compared to their counterparts in Europe and Central Asia. These cities often expand into disaster-prone areas, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and putting pressure on municipal governments and local communities.
The report outlines a comprehensive approach to address these challenges by involving various sectors and levels of government, alongside the private sector and local communities. It suggests four pathways for urban development: green, resilient, inclusive, and competitive.
Green actions involve revising zoning laws to limit urban sprawl, encouraging mixed-use development, and integrating spatial planning. This approach aims to reduce energy consumption and pollution while enhancing quality of life.
Resilient cities focus on managing infrastructure effectively and implementing nature-based solutions to mitigate climate risks. Key strategies include integrated waste management, water management, and emergency response systems.
Inclusive pathways emphasize addressing inequality through community engagement, social cohesion initiatives, investment in public services, and promoting gender inclusion.
Lastly, competitiveness is seen as crucial for fostering collaboration between government entities and the private sector. This includes supporting industries that promote innovation and exploring funding options like green bonds or carbon pricing tools for sustainable urban development.