Lack of technical and economic resources
Many municipalities still lack a formal Climate Action Plan, and the majority are small in population, with fewer than 10,000 residents. Yet there is a clear consensus: climate change is a global challenge that touches every sector of society. Local leaders recognize that acting on climate is not optional but essential for sustainable development and community resilience. A strategic climate path is widely viewed as a roadmap that guides local decisions toward low carbon prosperity.
In practical terms, about half of the municipalities without an action plan report not having enough technical know‑how or financial resources to begin. A sizable minority also views decarbonization as a long‑term objective rather than an immediate deliverable. The gap between ambition and capacity is a recurring theme across regions, emphasizing the need for targeted support to turn intentions into tangible policy and projects.
Municipalities highlight the crucial elements that could accelerate plan development. They emphasize the importance of adequate budget allocation, more robust technical and economic assistance from regional and national authorities, and more systematic medium to long term planning. External technical support, strategic information, and foundational climate education are also called out as necessary ingredients for success.
External engagement is another area for improvement. While a large share of municipalities with a plan received outside help, many did not conduct broad public consultations during preparation. Only a small portion involved citizens and other stakeholders in the process. This gap suggests room to expand inclusive governance and ensure plans reflect local needs and expertise.
Several obstacles stand in the way of creating these plans. Financial constraints and limited staff capacity are the most frequently cited barriers. In addition, many councils report insufficient guidance and weaker intergovernmental collaboration as challenges to progress. Strengthening coordination across levels of government and fostering cross‑jurisdictional cooperation could unlock faster and more effective climate action at the local level.
LATEST RECOMMENDATIONS
The PACES questionnaire results form the backbone of a practical update on local climate action aimed at advancing toward 2030. The findings outline several concrete needs and actions that jurisdictions can adopt to accelerate progress.
First, there is a call for intensified communication and awareness campaigns at multiple governance levels. By engaging citizens and communities directly, municipalities can mobilize broader participation and foster social acceptance of climate measures.
Second, commitments must translate into momentum. All municipalities should move beyond promises to develop and implement climate and energy action plans without delays, turning intention into action on the ground.
Third, technical teams closer to the population should be empowered. Establishing local offices or climate action hubs can provide accessible expertise for planning, execution, and monitoring, ensuring plans are practical and locally relevant.
Fourth, dedicated financing is essential. The creation of targeted funding lines, such as those connected to Next Generation or ERDF resources, will support drafting, financing, and executing municipal climate actions from start to finish.
Fifth, co‑management and strengthened regional cooperation can enhance resilience. By pooling resources and sharing capacities, regions can respond more effectively to climate risks and implement joint initiatives where appropriate.
Sixth, planning tools must suit diverse municipal profiles. Adapting methodologies to different city sizes and contexts will make climate action more scalable and widely adopted, including the possibility of joint systems that combine efforts across administrations.
Seventh, continuity in planning is needed. A clear division of responsibilities among different authorities should support consistent and coordinated climate and energy planning, ensuring accountability across levels of governance.
Eight, practical measurement tools are essential. Providing simple, accessible instruments to monitor the impact of measures and establish common indicators will improve transparency and accountability in municipal climate actions.
For a broader view, the report on municipal climate action planning in Spain offers a detailed analysis and is available for reference through project materials and institutional repositories. A comprehensive overview of the Unify Life initiative outlines ongoing work and collaboration opportunities. The Mayors Convention portal remains a key resource for understanding regional commitments and collaborative strategies.
Source materials reference the latest guidance and case studies used to inform these recommendations. The Unify Life project and the Convention of Mayors provide ongoing platforms for sharing best practices, tools, and success stories across municipalities. Future updates will continue to draw on these sources to support local climate leadership and practical implementation.