Occitanie
Government Structure and Role
Population: 6 million (2021)
GDP: €193 million / US$214 million
Geographic area (sq miles/kilometers):
72,724 km² / 28,078 sq mi
Major economic sectors: aeronautics, construction, tourism, agriculture, food production and winemaking.
Government size – number of employees: 2,000
Governments & Jurisdictions: 13 districts called “départements”, as well as 4,565 municipalities. Each of these municipality constitutes a part of a broader inter-municipality, known as an “intercommunalité” — encompassing a total of 161 “intercommunalités”
Governance on Climate Change
Key laws and strategies
In Occitanie, key strategies for governing climate change are evolving, with a focus on the Green Deal as a guiding framework. The Region is focusing its priority on green transition, aiming to align local efforts with national initiatives such as Regional COPs (Conference of Parties), which are increasingly incorporating adaptation strategies. In the past, strategies focused on climate mitigation have been predominant. This is exemplified by the adoption of an energy transition strategy in 2017, which aims to enhance renewable energy production across the Region.
Additionally, a biodiversity strategy has been in place since 2020, integrating climate change impacts and management strategies. However, the Region has yet to develop a comprehensive adaptation strategy that addresses vulnerabilities in critical sectors and situations.
Internal governance structure
A central climate change policy team operates within the Regional Green New Deal and Climate Change Department, comprising three dedicated individuals directly reporting to the head of the Administration. This team serves as a pivotal force in coordinating various public policies pertaining to climate change and ecological transition, as well as coordinating climate adaptation actions. Rather than focusing solely on regulatory measures, the regional government adopts a proactive approach centered on supporting and financing projects. This involves strategic budget allocations, financial support, and engineering assistance for both local bodies and private partners engaged in climate action initiatives. While there is not a distinct governance structure exclusively dedicated to climate adaptation, the region relies on collaborative networks and partnerships to address adaptation challenges. The climate change policy team works in tandem with other specialized services dealing with environmental issues such as waste management, biodiversity, and agriculture, ensuring an integrated approach to climate resilience efforts. The team also allocates resources to monitoring and tracking the implementation of the Green Deal.
Recent and Projected Impacts: MCAP Priority Climate Risks
Extreme Heat: In recent years, the region has experienced more frequent and intense heat waves during the summer months.
Drought: Drought has become a significant concern, particularly in the eastern part of Occitanie, leading to water shortages and challenges for agriculture. In 2023, Occitanie confronted a severe drought crisis, characterized by dwindling reservoir levels, depleted groundwater reserves, and widespread crop failures.
Wildfires: While wildfires are not as prevalent in Occitanie as in some neighboring regions, they still pose a threat, especially in areas with dense vegetation. Most significantly, prolonged drought events have led to increased instances of forest fires.