Assessment of Attica’s Adaptation Capacity within the PRI Initiative

As part of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) initiative, Attica’s capacity to adapt to climate change was evaluated using the 3A and T approach (Adapt, Anticipate, Absorb, Transform). This assessment identified key strengths and vulnerabilities in the region. Attica demonstrates high adaptive capacity in infrastructure and human resources but faces challenges in commercializing innovation and technology diffusion.

Strategic Framework Development for PRI Attica

Alignment with Regional and National Strategies

The AUEB/AE4RIA team conducted a comprehensive analysis to select the strategic pillars for PRI Attica. This process began with defining the region’s strategic objectives as outlined in the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan (RePACC). These objectives were then aligned with the 2021-27 Smart Specialisation Strategy of Attica, ensuring coherence with broader sustainable development goals.

Focus on Key Strategic Pillars

To enhance clarity and practical application, the focus was narrowed to three main pillars:

1. Tourism
2. Digital Technologies
3. Transport

These sectors were identified as critical to Attica’s development trajectory, leveraging the region’s comparative advantages and offering significant potential for sustainable and resilient growth. The proposed actions were systematically mapped and aligned with these smart specialisation pillars, resulting in targeted initiatives ready for immediate implementation.

Integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Strategic Actions

Microclimate Management and Urban Heat Island Mitigation

The priority of managing microclimates and combating urban heat islands was strongly linked to the Digital Technologies pillar. This alignment facilitates the deployment of innovative solutions such as:

• Internet of Things (IoT) sensors
• Remote sensing
• Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies

These technologies enable real-time monitoring and more effective intervention in urban microclimates, directly contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Protection of Historic Sites and Cultural Heritage

The priority of safeguarding historic sites and facilities through coordinated planning was mapped with high relevance to the Tourism, Culture, and Creative Industries pillar. This strategic alignment highlights the importance of integrated actions for the protection of natural and cultural heritage, supporting coordinated management strategies essential for the resilience and sustainability of Attica’s unique assets.

This initiative supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Conclusion: Advancing Sustainable and Resilient Climate Transition

The outlined strategic actions effectively address the region’s priorities while meeting the requirements for a sustainable and resilient climate transition. By focusing on innovation, technology integration, and heritage protection, Attica advances its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, fostering long-term environmental, social, and economic resilience.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Connected through the focus on digital technologies, innovation commercialization, and infrastructure adaptive capacity.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Addressed via urban microclimate management, combating urban heat islands, and protection of historic sites.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Relevant through the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan and resilience strategies.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Linked to tourism and transport sectors as key pillars for sustainable growth.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Implied through sustainable management of cultural and natural heritage.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 9
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable infrastructure.
2. SDG 11
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory planning.
   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management.
3. SDG 13
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
4. SDG 8
   • Target 8.9: Develop sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
5. SDG 12
   • Target 12.8: Ensure people have relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators related to SDG 9
   • Number of innovation commercialization initiatives and technology diffusion rates in the region.
   • Infrastructure adaptive capacity assessments.
2. Indicators related to SDG 11
   • Extent of urban heat island effect reduction measured through IoT sensors and GIS data.
   • Number and condition of protected historic sites and cultural heritage facilities.
   • Implementation of coordinated urban planning strategies.
3. Indicators related to SDG 13
   • Progress in implementing the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan (RePACC).
   • Resilience capacity measured by the 3A and T approach (Adapt, Anticipate, Absorb, Transform).
4. Indicators related to SDG 8
   • Growth in sustainable tourism employment and economic contribution.
5. Indicators related to SDG 12
   • Levels of public awareness and engagement in sustainable heritage management.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: downtoearth.org.in