Prioritizing Inclusivity: Why ‘Leave No One Behind’ is Critical for Europe’s Climate Resilience Strategies

Europe is heating up faster than anywhere else. A recent report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) reveals that the most vulnerable among us, like low-income families and disabled individuals, suffer the most from climate change impacts. Yet, their needs often get ignored in climate planning.

In “Social fairness in preparing for climate change,” the EEA emphasizes that while the European Union (EU) starts to recognize justice in climate adaptation, it still lacks effective action. If we don’t take deliberate steps, adaptation efforts could worsen existing inequalities instead of fixing them.

The report examines four main areas: the built environment, agriculture, water, and transportation. Unfortunately, many adaptation plans miss the mark. They tend to outline who is at risk but neglect to consider who truly benefits from the measures in place. For example, only 4% of local adaptation plans involve vulnerable groups in their planning stages.

Who is Most Affected?

Climate change hits certain groups harder:

• Low-income households: Often live in poorly constructed homes that can’t withstand heat or storms.
• Children: More vulnerable to heat and pollution, especially in neighborhoods lacking green spaces.
• People with disabilities: Face obstacles during evacuations and recovery efforts during climate emergencies.
• Migrant workers: Particularly those in agriculture, are at risk from extreme weather conditions.
• Ethnic minorities: Groups like the Roma and Sámi encounter systemic barriers to accessing support.

What’s Not Working?

The EEA report highlights major gaps in integrating justice into climate strategies:

• While most plans identify those at risk, very few assess benefits.
• Only 3% clearly define justice goals in their plans.
• Data collection and funding to support fair adaptation efforts are often lacking.

Time for Action

Policymakers need to act decisively. Here are a few recommendations:

• At the EU level: There should be a defined approach to “just resilience,” with adequate funding and plans integrated into the EU’s 2026 Climate Adaptation Plan.
• At the national level: Justice considerations should be woven into adaptation policies and systems to monitor their effects must be created.
• At the local level: Engage marginalized communities early in the planning process, addressing their specific needs.

By putting justice first in climate strategies, Europe can build a more resilient future for everyone. According to a recent study by the Global Climate Alliance, communities that actively engage vulnerable groups in planning report 50% higher success rates in adaptation initiatives. We need to ensure that no one gets left behind.

For more in-depth insights, you can read the full report on the [EEA website](https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/social-fairness-in-preparing-for-climate-change-how-resilience-can-benefit-communities-across-europe).

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