Former European commissioner: Floods becoming reality of urban life

Fires, floods, extreme heat, and building fires have today become a reality of urban life, former European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship (2014–2019), Dimitris Avramopoulos, said at an event within the framework of WUF13 in Baku.

According to Report, he noted that resilience is built through anticipation and planning:

"An early warning system is not only about technology, but also about governance. Technology alone is not enough; political will and people-centered governance are also essential. Half of the world"s population lives in cities, and this share continues to grow. As people increasingly gravitate toward cities, cities become the main center of global challenges. Issues such as energy, technological constraints, and social inequality arise."

Avramopoulos emphasized that climate change must be seen not only as an environmental issue, but also as a complex challenge with social and economic consequences:

"Livestock and agricultural land, as well as the service sector, are affected by these changes, and social balance is disrupted. The most vulnerable groups suffer the most from natural disasters - people with inadequate housing, children, the elderly, and displaced persons. Early warning systems and climate resilience must be addressed in an integrated way. In urban policy, resilience development, infrastructure strengthening, and maintaining a balance between city and nature are important. Green corridors, resilient water systems, and reduced carbon emissions are key directions. Evidence-based policy and long-term international cooperation are necessary. No country can face these challenges alone."