Combatting the Climate Crisis: Innovative Strategies Mediterranean Cities Are Using to Thrive

Anogeia, perched at 700 meters above sea level, is one of Crete’s highest inhabited villages. With a population of around 2,000, residents face chilling winters that make heating essential. Many locals depend on tourism and herding for their livelihoods.

Just ten years ago, most homes in Anogeia relied on traditional fireplaces. These not only suffocated interiors with smoke but also contributed to deforestation in the nearby mountains. The community’s rising energy needs, combined with environmental concerns and the fallout from the Greek economic crisis, pushed local officials to seek more sustainable and economical alternatives.

Anogeia took part in a European project called COMPOSE, which ran from 2016 to 2019. This initiative supported renewable energy efforts across eleven Mediterranean regions, helping small municipalities tackle challenges like low funding, staffing shortages, and limited technical know-how.

The project received substantial support through the European cohesion policy, covering nearly 75% of its €2.5 million budget. Its goal? To promote renewable energy and cut CO2 emissions in a region facing climate change twice as fast as the global average.

Nearby, the coastal city of Rethymno also embraced the COMPOSE initiative. It tackled sustainability issues brought on by rapid urban growth. Rethymno introduced a used cooking oil collection to convert waste into biofuel and installed solar panels for its city hall and electric vehicle charging stations.

“Protecting the environment is a collective responsibility,” said George Marinakis, the mayor of Rethymno. “No one should assume that someone else will do the work.” This sentiment reflects a growing awareness about environmental challenges, as many communities are increasingly prioritizing sustainability.

Today, the legacy of the COMPOSE project continues through the COMPOSE toolbox. This online platform, developed by Stavroula and her students at the University of Crete’s Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems Lab, serves as a valuable resource. It provides municipalities and stakeholders with a practical guide to adapt strategies for climate resilience based on their unique situations.

Recent studies show that communities across Europe are turning to renewable sources, with solar energy representing one of the fastest-growing sectors. In Greece alone, renewable energy accounted for more than 42% of electricity production in 2022. Such shifts not only protect the environment but also offer job opportunities, bridging economic gaps left by traditional industries.

The journey of Anogeia and Rethymno underscores a vital truth: tackling climate issues requires community involvement and innovative solutions. As local and global demands change, so too must our approaches to sustainability, fostering a greener and more resilient future.

Check out this related article: Explore Drammen’s Vision for a Zero-Emission Future by 2030: A Climate KIC Initiative

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Sustainable development,Renewable energies,Global warming and climate change,Greece