Eloïse Moradpour is an environmental scientist and energy/climate project manager at CSD. She was in charge of the climate plan project for the Swiss city of Yverdon, which has just been presented to the public. We asked her a few questions about it.
What main risks have been identified for the town of Yverdon and what recommendations have been developed?
Among the main risks for the city, the increase in episodes of high heat during the summer and therefore the formation of heat islands, as well as the worsening of the risk of flooding due to heavy weather were identified. In the first version of the report, we developed numerous concrete proposals for actions specifically adapted to this specific city in close collaboration with the municipal services. Our proposals were later enriched by new proposals by a "citizen's council". The citizens were thus able to actively contribute to the development of the climate plan and the actions needed to mitigate risks and contributing to a reduction in the carbon footprint. Examples of actions include the renovation of the municipality's building stock, the upgrading of parking facilities, the development of canals to create cool islands and soft mobility routes, etc.
What were the challenges in developing such a plan?
The objectives of the Yverdon climate plan are based directly on the recommendations of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and, unlike other climate plans, on the Swiss federal objectives. Although there are similarities, especially concerning the goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the main difference lies in the very short-term objectives. Indeed, the IPCC recommends that action be taken within 3 years. Yverdon therefore plans to act quickly, but the city must find a balance between high ambition on actions and the limits posed by financial and human resources.
What did CSD provide?
CSD produced - in short time - a first version of the climate plan, after extensive preliminary work and consultation with several municipal departments. Coordination with the client and its various departments to define a common vision for the climate plan was important. The climate plan includes a complete diagnosis of the territory, both in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and vulnerability to the effects of climate change. It also includes a tailor-made climate strategy with time-bound objectives and concrete actions to achieve them.
Why is CSD the ideal partner for such a task?
We know how to be flexible regarding the specific needs of each territory and we have experience in drawing up climate plans for small municipalities, cities and even cantons. At CSD, we have a lot of experts in all fields, making it possible to activate specific, specialised skills for the complex task of establishing a climate plan.
Learn more about our services (climate plan)