The direct objective of the project is to develop a climate change adaptation plan for the city of Ropczyce, i.e. a policy for taking measures to prevent and mitigate the negative effects of climate change and strengthen the resilience of the city. Adaptation to climate change is a new thread in the development policy of countries and cities, which, due to the scale of the problem, cannot be overlooked. The implementation of the MPA will improve the safety of residents of the city of Ropczyce and increase protection against the harmful effects of climate change. In addition, the MPA will take into account long-term planning and the diverse needs of stakeholders and local communities. The project implements the indications of the strategic adaptation plan for sectors and areas sensitive to climate change. One of the aims of the project is to educate and raise awareness at the local level – both among officials, entrepreneurs, workplaces and the urban community. Cities are a particularly sensitive area where the most pressing challenges of today are concentrated, ranging from water scarcity and poor air quality to economic disruption and social instability. This project is a first step towards adapting the urban areas of the city of Ropczyce to climate change and an example for other areas and a reference point for further adaptation works throughout the municipality of Ropczyce. Ropczyce, like every city, faces climate threats specific to its structure and conditions. Extreme weather phenomena affecting the city include high temperatures (there is a regular increase in the average annual temperature) or heavy rains (increased annual rainfall by 10-15%). Floods, floods, droughts – these are direct threats to the safety of residents, their housing situation and the infrastructure of the city. Climate change also raises the problem of water scarcity and the development of invasive species that pose a threat to human health. The increase in the number of cases is also related, among others, to heat waves – the results of research carried out in Poland show an increase in mortality due to cardiovascular diseases at the level of approx. 18% as a result of extremely high temperatures. The objectives of the project are in line with the specific objective set out in the SZOP: ERDF/CF.CP2.IV - Supporting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention, as well as resilience, taking into account an ecosystem-based approach. The implementation of the project will be divided into stages: 1. Choosing a company to develop a plan. 2. Collection of data needed to prepare the plan (including data on the hydrology of the city, climate, activities of municipal services, surveying residents) – 2-3 months 3. Analysis of data in the form of hydrological modelling (flooding, flooding), climatology (heat and its impact on man and nature) and preparation of climate maps and diagnosis in the MPA system (sensitivity, immunity, climate risk). - 4 months 4. Preparation of actions for the MPA and analysis of options, writing the entire document in the final version - 1-2 months. 5. SEA procedure with public consultation (public participation) – 2-3 months. 6. Information and promotion activities, including posters and information leaflets, press articles, etc. 7. Educational activities. The municipality of Ropczyce has already taken steps to confirm the institutional preparation for implementation. By Order No SO.120.36.2023 of the Mayor of Ropczyce of 17 November 2023, the Project Implementation Unit was established. On 27 November 2023, the City Council, by Resolution No LXVIII/694/23, agreed to accept the project for implementation and, by Resolution No LXVIII/695/23, to proceed with the development of the MPA. In addition, the Municipality of Ropczyce has prepared complete documentation for the initiation of a public procurement procedure. The implementation of the project co-financed from external funds will allow to solve the diagnosed problems by implementing appropriate solutions.
