Mayors worry about backlash to climate change policies

Sustainable mobility and climate change are two of the top four concerns for European mayors, according to a new survey from Eurocities.

Social inclusion and equity, and access to affordable and social housing were the two other major worries, according to the Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey which collected data from 92 mayors in 28 European countries.

Twenty-eight percent of mayors emphasised sustainable mobility as a concern, including the importance of safety, affordability and efficiency, while minimising harmful emissions.

“Unlike many populist politicians, mayors do not oppose ecological and social needs. Rather, they aim to work simultaneously on both challenges to develop a just transition where no one is left behind,” said André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities (pictured).

Innovation is key

Eighty-five percent of city leaders believe that government innovation is essential and that the top innovation activities that benefit cities are data driven analytics and evidence-based policy making (72 percent), developing new services and solutions based on digital technologies (60 percent), and the human-centred design of public services and policy interventions (57 percent).

Backlash worries

Yet, despite more than two-thirds of mayors highlighting cities’ central role in leading climate change actions, 50 percent are concerned about facing a backlash from the public about their climate policies.

Despite growing resentment against the European Green Deal’s policies among some national and European politicians, and with European elections in June, Sobczak said mayors responding to the survey have underlined their commitment to achieving the EU’s climate neutrality goals.

“The vast majority of mayors are also confident that citizens support their ambitious climate goals,” said Sobczak. “This underlines that, unlike many populist politicians, mayors do not oppose ecological and social needs. Rather, they aim to work simultaneously on both challenges to develop a just transition where no one is left behind.”

According to the survey, the biggest priorities for mayors in 2024 are:

• 67 percent climate action
• 31 percent social inclusion and equity
• 30 percent access to affordable and social housing
• 28 percent sustainable mobility.

Sobzcak warned: “Many cities lack the capacity to meet their climate targets, while others are struggling to meet the housing needs of the most vulnerable people. If this situation does not improve, we risk a huge backlash among citizens.”

Image: Eurocities