A significant gap persists between planning and implementing adaptation actions in European cities. This study investigates the social, institutional and economic factors influencing the implementation of 19,954 adaptation actions reported by 1596 signatories in 32 European countries within the Global Covenant of Mayors. Using statistical and machine learning methods, the research examines how contextual factors (such as social inequity or educational levels, among others) and stakeholder interactions relate to the implementation status of the actions, e.g., whether their implementation has started or is completed, and with how much delay the process started. The analysis reveals key insights into how those factors can shape adaptation implementation in different settlement types. This work contributes to closing the planning-implementation gap by identifying patterns among the factors and providing evidence-based guidance for policymakers and practitioners to enhance the implementation of climate adaptation strategies across European cities.
MARTÍNEZ GÖRBIG Gerard;
FLACKE Johannes;
TREVILLE Aldo;
SLIUZAS Richard;
RECKIEN Diana;
2026-04-27
SPRINGERNATURE
JRC142377
2661-8001 (online),
https://www.nature.com/articles/s42949-026-00365-6,
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC142377,
10.1038/s42949-026-00365-6 (online),
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