Located in the south-west of France, Bordeaux Métropole has a population of around 800,000, making it one of the country’s leading inter-municipalities. In 2022, it voted to implement its climate plan, a strategic document that it has decided to place at the heart of the city’s public policies in order to become a low-carbon, positive-energy and resilient territory by 2050. The document is based on experience gained over several years and on a recent study conducted in 2019-2020. Artelia provided the framework for this work, combining its consultancy skills (helping to structure public policies) with its specialised thematic expertise on the various matters related to climate change.

Bordeaux Métropole’s climate policy has been structured around three main questions: What are the impacts of climate change on the region (worsening heatwaves, river and sea risks, availability of water resources, etc.)? What are the levers that the Metropolis can use to address these issues and improve the region’s resilience? How and when should these levers be activated with local partners?

To support the local authority in its approach, our teams carried out a vulnerability assessment, evaluating the area’s exposure to different climatic hazards and studying its sensitivity from several angles (urban areas, buildings, water resources, biodiversity, public health, etc.). They then organised and led a strategy seminar with the city’s departments to prioritise the issues and draw up an adaptation strategy for the area. They then worked with the Metropole’s technical departments and partners to define a comprehensive action programme, incorporating current projects (such as the flood prevention plan).