Birmingham, London and Manchester rank in the top 10 European cities that are most resilient to the impacts of climate change, according to new research undertaken by CBRE.
In its ‘European City Sustainability Study 2024,’ CBRE evaluated the performance of 42 cities across Europe in relation to a number of factors, from transition risk, building performance standards and level of air pollution, to future flood risks and ability to implement renewable energy.
Amsterdam, Gothenburg, Helsinki, Oslo, Paris, Rotterdam and Sweden also featured in the top 10, alongside Birmingham, London and Manchester (pictured).
Jennet Siebrits, head of research at CBRE UK, said: “By improving the understanding of Europe’s key cities in terms of climate readiness, we hope to galvanise not only the property industry and investors, but also broader stakeholders, to take note of the need to prepare against the worst effects of climate change. While many cities may regard themselves as being leaders, this survey holds some surprises and warns against complacency.”
Kaela Fenn-Smith, managing director of CBRE’s sustainability and ESG consultancy, added: “UK cities have performed particularly well, with Birmingham, London and Manchester all appearing in the top 10. This is testament to efforts so far to prepare for the inevitable effects of climate change. However, there is much work to be done and no room for complacency if we are to deliver against the country’s much needed net zero targets.”
