Climate mitigation and adaptation strategies tailored for different types of European cities: A typology and associated systematic review

Amidst escalating climate impacts and continued emissions, numerous case studies have examined how cities can mitigate and adapt to climate change. Yet, systematic cross-sectoral and cross-impact assessments that identify which climate actions are relevant to which types of cities remain limited. This study addresses this gap for Europe through a data-driven analysis of European cities, categorizing them into four distinct city types (Shrinking cities, Growing cities, Old stagnating cities, Metropolises and economic centers), quantitatively analyzing their need and capacity to act on climate change, and providing a systematic overview of effective climate action strategies for each of these clusters. Based on harmonized data for all 1263 cities in Europe, we identify sectoral and climate impact hotspots requiring concerted climate action across the four city types. Drawing on the existing case study literature comprising 1613 climate action assessments, we provide recommendations for climate mitigation and adaptation actions addressing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and mobility in metropolises and old stagnating towns, as well as responses to heat and drought in growing Southern European cities, and flooding risks in shrinking Eastern European cities. These insights can inform cross-city learning and targeted policy and investment prioritization across urban planning, public services, technology deployment or governance capacity in line with local contexts.