Athens, Greece, has seen a huge increase in tourism in recent years, with a record 7 million tourists visiting the city last year. However, the city has been struggling to keep up with the rapid growth, leading to strain on its public transportation, streets, roads, water, and waste management resources. Andreas Grammatikogiannis, Athens’ deputy mayor for infrastructure, acknowledges that the city’s infrastructure has been lagging behind other European cities, partially due to the Greek debt crisis from 2009 to 2018, which forced the municipal government to cut back on maintenance and infrastructure projects.
Climate change has also exacerbated the issue in Athens, with heatwaves leading to five tourist deaths this summer and negative traveler sentiment toward Greece. To address these challenges, Athens is focusing on creating a more sustainable and climate-resilient city. The city aims to be carbon neutral by 2030 and is implementing initiatives such as introducing green roofs to buildings, upgrading streets to allow cooler air flows, and planting 5,000 trees annually to add more green spaces. One major project includes transforming Eliana, an undeveloped area, into Greece’s largest park, which will not only enhance the city’s green spaces but also improve the microclimate and reduce temperatures during the hotter summer months.
To provide tourists with more comfortable experiences, Athens is also working on creating amenities such as a network of small fountains for water access and alternative transportation options. By the end of 2028, the city plans to replace all diesel vehicles with electric ones and add more bike routes to encourage sustainable modes of transport. Despite the challenges, Grammatikogiannis remains optimistic about the city’s future, stating that they have a wide range of actions in place and will assess their effectiveness at the end of their term.
Overall, the efforts to make Athens a greener and more sustainable city not only aim to improve the visitor experience but also address the pressing infrastructure and climate challenges facing the city. By focusing on projects that enhance green spaces, reduce temperatures, and promote sustainable transportation options, Athens hopes to become a leader in sustainable urban development. While the road ahead may be challenging, Athens’ commitment to these initiatives demonstrates the city’s dedication to creating a more liveable and resilient environment for its residents and visitors alike.
