After the extreme flooding in October 2024, Bologna was compelled to rethink its approach to climate preparedness, ranging from civil protection and early warning systems to long-term urban planning capable of handling heavy rainfall. Deputy Mayor Anna Lisa Boni emphasized that the floods not only caused physical damage but also created widespread anxiety among citizens and policymakers, underscoring the importance of preparedness measures that function effectively under pressure. In response, the city has reinforced civil protection planning, clarified roles, mobilized volunteers efficiently, and strengthened early warning systems to ensure residents understand alerts and guidance.
Bologna has also examined its water infrastructure, recognizing the challenges posed by historical canal systems and the need for the city to act like a “sponge” to absorb rainfall. Studies revealed higher-than-expected flood risks, prompting follow-up measures focused on capturing rainwater at the source, improving water management, and updating risk assessments. Alongside these structural adaptations, the city is exploring nature-based solutions, including maintaining and planting trees, while emphasizing shared responsibility with private actors to overcome public funding constraints.
Procurement has emerged as a strategic tool to drive climate resilience. Boni highlighted how long-term partnerships with private actors, such as the energy transition program for solar panels on schools, allow co-investment approaches that extend benefits beyond traditional short-term city investments. Greening initiatives, while technically and politically challenging, have been supported by engaging residents directly, turning potential conflicts into participatory projects that improve local neighborhoods.
Looking ahead, Bologna stresses the need for strong subnational governance in the EU’s forthcoming Climate Resilience and Risk Management framework. Boni argued that cities, where climate impacts are concentrated, must have a protected and strengthened role in shaping resilience policies at national and European levels. The city’s experience reflects broader European urban realities: while cities face clear climate threats like floods, heatwaves, and droughts, adaptation efforts are constrained by limited funding, staffing shortages, and fragmented governance. Despite the availability of municipal and EU resources, only about half of European cities have dedicated financing strategies for adaptation, leaving long-term investments vulnerable.
Regulatory and governance challenges further complicate resilience planning. Initiatives like the European Commission’s Environment Omnibus, intended to simplify administrative burdens, risk weakening monitoring and permitting processes, potentially undermining the effective implementation of urban resilience projects. Cities like Bologna emphasize the urgent need for dedicated funding, capacity-building support, and governance structures that reflect where climate impacts occur. They require tools to carry out risk assessments, translate data into policy, and embed resilience into all sectoral planning, ensuring urban areas remain liveable, equitable, and sustainable for future generations.
