EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS IN URBAN AREAS. A LEGAL VIEW

The main objectives of the current paper are the need to promote adaptation programs for urban

areas; the need for increasing proactive actions of local authorities, in response to the extreme weather

events related to climate change; the need of raising public awareness and improve citizens’ access to

information on the emergency situations and measures in response to the natural events.

At the global scale, the urban areas are responsible for a significant share of greenhouse gases

(GHGs) emissions. Bucharest is under an increased exposure and vulnerability to heat waves and

floods which are going to be more frequent and persistent then prior. The current analysis is based on

a methodology aimed to improve the use of climate risk assessment in decision making related to

disaster reduction and adaptation to climate changes in large urban agglomerations.

As main result, the emergency measures in response to the storm taking place in Bucharest, on

September 20, 2017 were planned and enforced in a better manner then prior. The population reacted

faster in urban areas then in the rural region. It was observed a more positive attitude of the citizens.

The main conclusions are: a real increase of the public awareness in taking immediate action in

the case of extreme weather events; the necessity of undertaking periodic analysis for improving

appropriate prevention and proactive procedures and measures for such extreme weather events; the

proactive action refers to exercises with target groups potentially exposed to such events.

Summary

European Union Law

International Law