The High Council on Climate and Biodiversity of the Azure Region held its return meeting on September 14th and 15th. The committee, established in February 2023 by Christian Estrosi, works to adapt the metropolitan territory to climate challenges.
“The work of the local High Council for Climate and Biodiversity is making progress!” announced the city of Nice in a press release shared on September 18th. This body was established on February 13th following its adoption in the Metropolitan Council in December 2022. It mirrors the already existing national model of the High Council for Climate, established under the impetus of Emmanuel Macron.
The purpose of this committee is to “scientifically guide the work of the Metropolis” and specifically to “orient, consolidate, and validate the adaptation strategy to address climate change.” Its expertise should help the NCA Metropolis achieve its goals outlined in its Climate Plan, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 22% by 2026 and by 55% by 2030.
It is composed of 17 members from diverse backgrounds, all presented as French specialists on environmental issues. Each member has their areas of expertise. Thus, among the personalities, there are researchers, scientists, professors, doctors, local elected officials, and economists.
This ensures coverage of a wide range of essential topics to consider when adapting the territory to climate challenges, such as energy, urban planning, health, transport, and food security.
During its two-day seminar, the High Council for the Climate of the NCA Metropolis notably addressed “climatic events, water resource management, energy, food, forests, sustainable development, biodiversity protection, and multi-stakeholder mobilization.”
A report by the 1st quarter of 2024
The local High Council is expected to present the results of its work in the 1st quarter of 2024 during the Metropolitan Council. Thus, its adaptation strategy for the Metropolis in response to climate disruption will be shared in the presence of its members.
“In the coming weeks, the local High Council for Climate and Biodiversity will continue its reflections and consolidate the drafting of its recommendations,” shares Damienne Provitolo, president of the High Council. November and December should be dedicated to “organizing territorial dialogue with the 51 municipalities of the Metropolis”.
The CNRS research director continues: “We can already commend the collegial work, which allows us today to rely on real cooperation with the administrative sectors, in order to be very close to the realities on the ground. Here, we can fully capitalize on scientific knowledge and work together in a spirit of protecting common goods.”
