The involvement of EU regions and cities in the implementation of the renewed Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs in 2008 : climate change and energy

This study deals with the following issues: Climate change scientific evidence, impacts, mitigation and adaptation; Role of the European Union in achieved international agreements; EU leadership role in international agreements to fight climate change and European energy policy; Member States main policies with regard to renewable energy promotion; Role of local authorities in fighting climate change. The main research question was how local authorities can contribute to fight climate change and, at the same time, improve competitiveness. This question has been addressed in various ways: through a literature survey regarding climate change evidence and policies to address it, and by reviewing experiences on actions undertaken at the local and regional level to fight climate change. Three case studies have been carried out as illustrations of the possible contribution of local and regional administrations.