Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Plan for West Athens

Climate change mitigation and adaptation plan for West Athens

V. Krommyda Urban and regional planner, Greece * e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Climate change is considered part of the natural variability of Earth's conditions, but anthropogenic amplification of the phenomenon has accelerated the natural processes rapidly. This paper incorporates climate change policies in spatial planning, by developing mitigation and adaptation plan for Athens. The municipalities of West Athens are chosen as the field of focused spatial interventions after the analysis of the wider study area and the mapping of vulnerabilities. The aim of the article is to demonstrate the necessity of a strategic plan, specifically for Athens, which is the largest urban area of Greece. The implementation of that kind of a plan in Athens is highly important due to the large history of natural disasters with fatal results and strong socio-economic vulnerabilities. As it is known, "the best cure is prevention" hence the immediate and active participation of society is required. The main spatial interventions should be focused on creating suitable green and blue infrastructure, because the most likely and most dangerous impacts are related to heat waves and flood events. In conclusion, is regarded necessary to take measures in socioeconomic level in order to protect vulnerable groups as exacerbated inequalities lead to reduced social adaptability to external pressures such as climate change.

Key words: climate change, mitigation, adaptation, strategic plan, West Athens

1. INTRODUCTION

Climate change is considered part of the natural variability of Earth's conditions, but anthropogenic amplification of the phenomenon has accelerated the natural processes rapidly. IPCC defines this phenomenon as follows: “Climate change refers to any change in climate over the years, either due to natural variability or as a result of human activities” (IPCC 2007). The topics raised by the upcoming changes should be put on the table immediately as the effects of climate change will accompany the earth’s evolutionary processes for hundreds of years (IPCC 2007). According to the multiple research reports by IPCC, climate change impacts are multidimensional and have as a reference space the whole planet, but they vary depending on the characteristics of each territorial entity. The impacts have effects on the natural and human systems (IPCC 2014) and they tend to worse the existing socio-economic disparities in various spatial units (Kyvelou 2010: 88). As a result climate change may disrupt the social strata greatly, especially in the cities through exacerbation of poverty (UN Habitat 2011: 19). Climate change, as a result of the production processes and people’s lifestyle, composes a complex challenge that requires the planning process to encompass all the possible future scenarios in conjunction with all the possible impacts depending on the special characteristics of each area (UNDP 2010). Spatial planning is now required to be wider, holistic, participative and visionary and to respond quickly to the current and upcoming challenges (Davoudi 2009). The Greek institutional framework for spatial planning seems to have a big gap on applicable policies and guidelines on climate change. Although there are theoretical guidelines on climate change, especially in General Framework for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development (FEK 128Α/03.07.2008), the objectives of mitigation and adaptation are being approached indirectly through guidelines for sustainable development. The Greek legislation is characterized by its large quantity but the problem lies on the quality and the applicability. The use of vague terms such as sustainability (Hopwood 2005) probably creates more confusion on its practical application, while the policies deriving from the top down result in the rejection of microscale’s diversity. In 2015 an 208 V. Krommyda attempt conducted in order to change the situation through the National Adaptation Strategy (MEEN 2015). This strategy together with the regional climate change plans, which are being proposed, should be able to sustain the balance between the sectors and not consider only one sector, such as the economy.

2. STUDY AREA

2.1 Current situation in the wider area

The Attica basin constitutes the wider study area and is located in the Region of Attiki. The municipalities of Attica basin (including the municipalities of West Athens) exhibit multilevel inequalities. In demographic terms, the municipalities of Attica basin present a population decline between the years 2001 – 2011 (-6,49%) (Papagiannis, et al 2011: 3-1). Due to the economic crisis is provided that there will be a wave of migration, a declining birth rate (which is already the case for the whole country) and an increased mortality rate (Kalogirou et al. 2011). At the same time, the declared income earnings reflect the intense disparities. The municipalities of north and south part of Attica basin demonstrate very high incomes while the spatial units of West Athens and Piraeus own the lowest incomes (Kalogirou et al. 2011, Pantazis and Psycharis 2016). The Attica basin is surrounded by the mountains of Hymettus, Penteli, Parnitha and Aigaleo – Poikilo, while the coastline of the Saronic Gulf is the boundary in the south. These mountains are one of the most important natural resources of the basin, because they provide valuable ecosystems and flood protection; they form appropriate climatic conditions and contribute to the reduction of air pollution (Papagiannis et al. 2011: 3-80). However, they have lost their value as primary forest ecosystems through intensive human interventions. The major problems are related to the pressure from the building processes, fires, deforestation, tourism, soil erosion, intensive road network etc. (Papagiannis et al. 2011: 3-80, 3-81). Figure 1 depicts the multidimensional vulnerabilities of each municipality in Attica basin by presenting social and biophysical vulnerabilities combined.

Figure 1. Built environment vulnerability in conjunction with the risk of extreme high temperatures, social vulnerability and high flood risk areas. Source: Krommyda (2015), EL.STAT. (2011), MEEN (2012) and Sapountzaki and Chalkias (2013), adaptation by the author. European Water 59 (2017) 209

Specifically the most economically vulnerable municipalities are located in the Regional Units of Piraeus and West Athens unlike the municipalities of the rest of the basin, which present a better condition. The three municipalities, which combine multilevel and high degree of vulnerability are Athens, Piraeus and Agia Varvara, where in times of heat waves and floods, is estimated that: n The oldness of built environment will have unpredictable consequences in people’s everyday life. n Socio-economic vulnerabilities may get worse because of the unequal distribution of climate change impacts. n Vulnerable environmental infrastructure will be further disrupted.

2.2 Focusing on West Athens

After identifying the most vulnerable spatial units (Figure 1), the municipalities of West Athens were chosen as focused study area. Table 1 gives a comprehensive inventory of the current situation in West Athens while Figure 2 shows the situation spatially.

Table 1. Current situation in West Athens.

Sector Description The Regional Unit of West Athens: - is located in the western part of Attica basin Geography - is located nearby the mountains of Aigaleo and Poikilo - is penetrated by the river Kifissos and other streams (east side) - Negative population change 2001-2011 [total: -2%, the largest decreases occurred in Agia Varvara:-15,3% Demography and Aigaleo: -10,2%] - Strong emerging aging trend Bold socio-economic problems: - social segregation from the rest of Attica basin Society / - unemployment (most of the municipalities have higher unemployment rate than the national average) Economy - low average declared income (lower than the average reported income of Attiki) - increase of migrants - Intensely urbanized municipalities with high density and lack of public spaces: Agia Varvara, Aigaleo, Peristeri, Ilion, Agioi Anargiroi Regulation of - Main land use: mixed space / Urban - Degraded built environment issues - Total green spaces: available 1,3 m2 of urban green space per inhabitant - Open spaces and green areas are as low as 4% of the total area of West Athens - Former quarries on the mountains of Aigaleo and Poikilo are required to be reforested - Eshatia’s stream is the main recipient of rainwater - The parts that are traversed by Kifisos river are at risk from future floods Risks / - Most of the seven municipalities show high vulnerability of the build environment and increased risk of Vulnerabilities extreme high temperatures (in summer) combined with high social vulnerability (figure 1) - Major vulnerable social groups: elderly, poor families, homeless, children, patients, Roma, migrants Source: Krommyda and Oikonomou (2016), ASDA (2014), EL.STAT. (2011), MEEN (2012), Lekkas et al. (2010) and Sapountzaki and Chalkias (2013), adaptation by the author.

Many municipalities of West Athens exhibit high vulnerability of the built environment, increased risk of high temperatures and future floods. Especially, the areas located in both sides of Kifissos River and Eshatia stream indicate very high flood risk. In socioeconomic level, problems like social segregation, high unemployment rates and low average declared income affect negatively the adaptive capacity of society. Moreover, high urbanized areas with high density, degraded built environment and lack of open spaces create unsustainable living conditions.

3. PLANNING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

3.1 The broader strategy

The tackling measures for climate change may apply to all governance levels (international, 210 V. Krommyda national, local), however empirical data show that mitigation acts mainly on the international and national scale, while adaptation has application on the local level (Wilson and Piper 2010: 95-96). This hierarchy of static scales is relatively unstable and may result in a complex process in which different levels of governance can use “climate change” as an argument in order to claim legitimacy on different governance scales (Wilson and Piper 2010: 100). Within this fuzzy and evolving framework, a ‘Climate change mitigation and adaptation plan’ is created in order to address the ongoing issue of climate change in Athens. It should be noted that the primary plan included 155 measures (spatial and intangible measures) for the whole of Attica basin, but this paper focuses on the spatial interventions particularly in the municipalities of West Athens.

Figure 2. Current situation in West Athens. Source: Krommyda (2015), ASDA (2007), MEEN (2012), adaptation by the author.

The strategic direction for climate change mitigation defines Athens as “Climate Neutral City”. According to UNEP (2009), climate neutrality means that there is no production of complex greenhouse gases and as a result the emissions are the minimum possible. A city can be considered climate neutral if its emissions do not have any effects on the threshold of 2oC (Reusswig et al 2014). In order to achieve this strategy, the following objectives are set: Μ.1/ Energy supply and energy infrastructure Μ.2/ Energy efficiency of buildings Μ.3/ Social awareness and consumption Μ.4/ Sustainable mobility and traffic congestion Μ.5/ Urban Planning and Infrastructure Μ.6/ Industry Μ.7/ Economy and Innovation Μ.8/ Waste Management

On the other hand, the adaptation will be based on the strategic direction which defines Athens as “Climate Resilient City”. The specific objectives for this strategy are: Α.1/ Flood protection Α.2/ Protection from extreme high temperatures European Water 59 (2017) 211

Α.3/ Network of green and blue infrastructure Α.4/ Informing citizens Α.5/ Special measures for vulnerable social groups

The goal of the both strategies is not to maintain the status quo, but to integrate the appropriate measures that will facilitate change. The form of such a plan is not foreseen by the Greek legislation, therefore is considered necessary to be an integral part of an overall strategic plan. This plan must be consistent with the guidance given by the 2nd National Climate Change Program (MEEN 2002), National Adaptation Strategy (MEEN 2015) and the Regulatory (Master) Plan for Athens. At the same time, coordination with the other sectoral plans and cooperation for the effective implementation of the cross-sectoral measures are necessary.

3.2 Action plan

The following inputs were used for the adequate composition of the action plan: nd n 2 National Climate Change Program (2002) n Regulatory (Master) Plan for Athens n Similar climate change plans of other countries’ cities n Relevant IPCC studies n Studies by ICLEI n UN studies

It should be noted that the greatest success of such a plan would become possible if citizens participate actively in every stage of the process (constant interaction, feedback process, participatory selection of objectives and implementation). The Action plan, which includes 15 spatial interventions, is attributed in Table 2, while Figure 3 shows the mapping of these measures.

Table 2. Action plan – spatial interventions for West Athens.

Objectives Measures Spatial interventions (description) [Μ.4] Expansion of the subway network Promoting Extension of subway network in Peristeri - Ilion, Ag. Varvara – Piraeus. (M1) public transport Combination with the measure AM8 and AM10. The aim is to link Improving cycling infrastructure municipalities’ centers and their recreational areas. The proposed bicycle [Μ.4, Μ.5] by increasing the number of cycle network reaches 15.6 km. Bike rental stations and secure parking places Increase of paths, while the existing cycle are considered crucial. It is necessary to upgrade the pedestrian zones and pedestrians and paths will be widened and sidewalks in order to create a better urban environment that will give bicycle use upgraded (M2) impetus to cycling and hiking. [Areas of intervention: Agioi Anargiroi – Kamatero, Ilion, Petroupoli, Peristeri, Ag. Varvara, Haidari] Combination with the measure AM9. Quarries rehabilitation in Poikilo [Α.1, Α.2, Α.3] Mt. and conversion into green enclaves. Relocation and usage conversion Increasing the Retrieving woodlands through of military camps in Haidari (SDV Karaiskaki A and firing range field carbon storage reforestation (A1) KEVOP) and Agioi Anargiroi (301 military factory). [Areas of capacity (sinks) intervention: Agioi Anargiroi – Kamatero, Ilion, Petroupoli, Peristeri, Ag. Varvara, Haidari] Acquisition of former factories, Acquisition of the former factories (which have no current use): [Μ.2, Α.3] use for cultural and leisure BIOCHROM (located in Agia Varvara) and BIOFIAL (located in Ilion) - Public buildings activities while the design of the conversion into supralocal culture centers. The new buildings should and facilities buildings to be based on serve as good examples of bioclimatic design (green surfaces and roofs). bioclimatic principles (AM1) Creation of additional rainwater network, especially in areas with Continuous surface and drainage problems (Figure 2): underground network for - Petroupoli: Ag. Triados St. [Α.1, Α.3, Μ.5] rainwater collection (and storage) - Ilion, Peristeri: Thivon St., Konstantinoupoleos St., Chiou St. - Andrea Flood connected to underground Papandreou St., Ag. Nikolaou – Elaion – Idomenos - Kamaterou St. protection pipelines. Connection between - Peristeri: Athinon Av. – Sfakion St., junction of Kavala St. -Athinon the surface transmission network Av. (Haidarorema), junction of Kyprou – Dionisiou Solomou St. and the streams (AM2) - Aigaleo: Edessis St. – Koritsas St. - Agioi Anargiroi – Kamatero: central square and Bibiza St. 212 V. Krommyda

Objectives Measures Spatial interventions (description) Rehabilitation and reformation of [Α.1, Α.2, Α.3, Regeneration of Kifissos’ uncovered riverside areas (from Attiki Odos to the riverbed’s open parts of Μ.5] Flood the military factory in Ag. Anargiroi - length 5.6 km). The same applies Kifissos river and its tributaries protection to the open section of the Eshatias’ stream (Ag. Anargiroi– Kamatero). (AM3) [Α.1, Α.2, Α.3, Directly related to the measure AM3. Design of linear parks in the Design of linear parks in the Μ.5] Flood uncovered riverside areas of Kifissos river and its tributaries (Ag. uncovered riverside areas (AM4) protection Anargiroi– Kamatero). Implementation of a sustainable urban drainage system with Adequate infrastructures in areas with drainage problems (the same areas [Α.1, Α.3, Μ.5] permeable pavement, green roofs that are mentioned in the description of measure AM2). Flood on buildings, rainwater retention [Areas of intervention: Agioi Anargiroi – Kamatero, Ilion, Petroupoli, protection ponds, artificial wetlands and Peristeri, Ag. Varvara, Haidari] ditches (Sustainable Drainage Systems -SUDS) (AM5) [Α.1, Α.3, Μ.5] Use of water reservoirs for the Water accumulation of the eastern slopes of Poikilo Mt. near the Flood accumulation of water that comes residential zone. [Areas of intervention: Agioi Anargiroi – Kamatero, protection from the mountains (AM6) Ilion, Petroupoli, Peristeri, Haidari] [Α.1, Α.2, Α.3, Integrated system for collection, Rainwater collection sites connected to the rainwater reservoirs network. Μ.5] Flood storage and rainwater transfer [Areas of intervention: Agioi Anargiroi – Kamatero, Ilion, Petroupoli, protection (AM7) Peristeri, Ag. Varvara, Haidari, Aigaleo] Networking green areas and public spaces - converting road expressways to green corridors: - Peristeri: Konstantinoupoleos Av. – Kyprou – Ethn. Makariou – tsaldari Av. – Anapafseos – Ag. Ierotheou –Ksenokratous – Ioanninon – Poikilo Mountain (theatre of ‘Foinikas’) - Haidari, Aigaleo: Iera Odos to Athinon Av. [Α.1, Α.2, Α.3, Conversion of the roads into - Agioi Anargiroi – Kamatero, Ilion, Petroupoli: An. Papadreou Av. – Μ.5] Increase green corridors throughout the Anatol. Romilias - Poikilo Mountain (theatre of ‘Petra’) of green spaces municipalities (AM8) - Agioi Anargiroi – Kamatero: Dimokratias Av.-Ir. Politechniou-Chasias- Eshatia stream-Filis - Agia Varvara: Meg. Alexandrou Av.-El. Venizelou Av. - Aigaleo, Peristeri: Thivon to Tsaldari Av. - Agioi Anargiroi – Kamatero, Peristeri: Har. Trikoupi-Solomou-Troon- Astrous to An. Papandreou Av. - Creation of pocket parks - Regeneration of Elaionas’ area and space acquisition for the creation of extensive green areas - Relocation and usage conversion of military camps in Haidari (SDV [Α.1, Α.2, Α.3, Creation of metropolitan parks Karaiskaki A and firing range field KEVOP) and Agioi Anargiroi (301 Μ.5] Increase across the city (AM9) military factory) of green spaces - Quarries rehabilitation (Poikilo Mt.) and conversion into green enclaves - Aigaleo and Poikilo Mt. as supralocal green poles for recreation / culture /sports [Α.1, Α.2, Α.3, Strengthening and planting of In combination with the measure AM8. [Areas of intervention: Agioi Μ.5] Increase hedgerows along the sidewalks Anargiroi – Kamatero, Ilion, Petroupoli, Peristeri, Ag. Varvara, Haidari, of green spaces (AM10) Aigaleo] [Α.1, Α.2, Α.3, Upgrading of the existing Upgrading of the Environmental Awareness Park ‘Antonis Tritsis’ (Agioi Μ.5] Increase degraded green areas (AM11) Anargiroi – Kamatero, Ilion) of green spaces Creation of urban gardens in the Environmental Awareness Park [Α.1, Α.2, Α.3, ‘Antonis Tritsis’, on specific sites of Aigaleo and Poikilo Mt. and in Private and public urban gardens Μ.5] Increase Elaionas’ area. Cultivation of ‘pilot gardens’ in public buildings’ roofs. (AM12) of green spaces [Areas of intervention: Agioi Anargiroi – Kamatero, Ilion, Petroupoli, Peristeri, Ag. Varvara, Haidari, Aigaleo] Source: Papagiannis et al. (2011), Vlastos et al. (2011), Reeve and Kingston (2014), Parmenidis et al. (2013), Rotterdam Office for Sustainability and Climate Change (2009 and 2010), British Graduates Society (2007), Lekkas et al. (2010), adaptation by the author.

4. FURTHER DISCUSSION

This article indicates that a plan for climate change must have a clear theoretical basis in order to identify sufficiently the guidelines and the action plan’s measures. The main barrier lies on the “immaturity” and ambiguity of nodal terms such as resilience, adaptive capacity, vulnerability, etc. (Magnan 2010). At the same time, the relationship between local initiatives (microscale) and national or international strategies (macroscale) usually shows opposite results (Smit and Wandel European Water 59 (2017) 213

2006). This problem must be fully addressed as it leads to the strengthening of vulnerabilities and shifts the risks to the wider social strata (Sapoutzaki 2014). Additionally, the citizens’ active involvement is crucial in the planning process as they are the ones who will be called upon to implement the measures.

Figure 3. Spatial intervention proposals for climate neutrality and resiliency in West Athens. Source: Krommyda (2015), adaptation by the author.

As the Action Plan showed, the core idea of the spatial interventions is the proliferation and the upgrading of the green and blue infrastructure. This will lead to the enhancement of the absorption, collection and storage capacity of rainwater. In addition, the rational management of water will contribute to the prevention of catastrophic flooding, while the stored rainwater could be used for the irrigation needs. Furthermore, the urban green spaces and suburban green areas will function as enhanced “green ventilation systems” and as filters for retaining gaseous pollutants. These interventions are based on the principles of environmental planning and aim to improve the microclimate of the area, while the creation of “green routes” will increase the adaptive capacity of the urban systems and will form a better urban environment. Moreover, the Action Plan aims at providing the optimal interconnection between the municipalities, while the configuration of reachable and accessible neighbourhoods is attempted. The overall goal is to reinforce the resilience of society along with the other urban systems not just by spatial changes but also targeting at the modern individualistic culture. This change is considered crucial and the first step for its achievement is regarded to be the active participation of citizens in public affairs.

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