Climate Change Adaptation Plan to be developed by April in Mykolaiv

Mykolaiv, 8 April 2024, photo for illustration from the archive of NikVesti

The development of Mykolaiv's Climate Change Adaptation Plan is in its final stages. The main analytical section has already been completed, and the document is currently undergoing internal approval. The entire process is expected to be completed by April 2026.

This was reported by the executive committee of the Mykolaiv City Council in response to a request from NikVesti.

Work on the Plan began after the creation of a special working group. It includes representatives of the city council, scientists, environmental experts, businesses, and public organisations.

As part of the preparation of the document, the following has already been done:

• analysed historical and forecast climate data and modelled climate change scenarios up to 2050;
• climate risks and vulnerabilities in various areas — health care, water supply, energy, infrastructure, housing and communal services, and ecosystems — have been assessed;
• four priority areas for adaptation have been identified;
• held five working group meetings;
• prepared a draft Adaptation Plan and Action Plan.

The internal review and approval of measures is currently underway. After that, the document will be submitted to the expert and public council for consideration and then submitted to the city council for approval.

«After internal approval, the document will be submitted to the expert and public council of the Mykolaiv City Council for recommendations and proposals. The finalised draft Climate Change Adaptation Plan is planned to be submitted for consideration and approval by the Mykolaiv City Council in accordance with the regulations. The estimated completion date for this process is April 2026,» the city council said.

In addition, as part of the preparation of the Plan, an online survey was conducted, in which 1,448 residents took part. The data obtained will be taken into account when forming the final list of measures in the Plan.

The survey showed that Mykolaiv residents believe that the climate in the city has changed significantly, with half of those surveyed noticing these changes only in the last 3–5 years. City residents have begun to experience more frequent health problems.

Almost 60% of respondents reported headaches, weakness and insomnia during periods of heat and air pollution. Another 40% reported exacerbation of allergies, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Screenshot of response to request NikVesti

Screenshot of response to request NikVesti

Screenshot of response to request NikVesti

It should be noted that in Mykolaiv, a working group was created to develop the first Climate Change Adaptation Plan, which included scientists, representatives of city authorities, businesses, public organisations and environmental experts.

The project emphasises that climate change is no longer a distant prospect — it is happening here and now, and the consequences are being felt by all cities, especially those located near large bodies of water.

It should be noted that climate change and a critical decline in the water balance could render half of the country's agricultural land unsuitable for cultivation. By 2050, the drought zone will cover millions of hectares.