When Fighting Climate Change Leads to Better Cities: A Study of Actions Implemented by 100 Cities in Spain

Abstract

This study presents an empirical analysis of how cities change as a result of the fight against climate change. It analyses the measures adopted by 100 cities and towns participating in the Covenant of Mayors in Spain in order to reduce their emissions in the areas of public lighting, municipal buildings, transport, energy as well as other measures such as the increase in green spaces. Although reducing greenhouse gases has unintended consequences, such as the so-called rebound effect, in general we can maintain that the fight against climate change is leading to greener and healthier cities for citizens.