EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change
The Commission adopted an EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change in April 2013. The strategy will enhance the preparedness and capacity to respond to the impacts of climate change at local, regional, national and EU levels, and it will develop a coherent approach and improved coordination. The EU's role can be particularly appropriate when climate change impacts transcend borders of individual states - such as with river basins - and when impacts vary considerably across regions. The role of the EU can be especially useful to enhance solidarity among Member States and ensure that disadvantaged regions and those most affected by climate change are capable of taking the necessary measures to adapt.
The EU Adaptation Strategy focuses on three key objectives:
- Promoting action by Member States: The Commission will encourage all Member States to adopt comprehensive adaptation strategies (currently 15 have strategies) and will provide funding to help them build up their adaptation capacities and take action.
- 'Climate-proofing' action at EU level by further promoting adaptation in key vulnerable sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and cohesion policy, ensuring that Europe's infrastructure is made more resilient, and promoting the use of insurance against natural and man-made disasters.
- Better informed decision-making by addressing gaps in knowledge about adaptation and further developing the European climate adaptation platform (Climate-ADAPT) as the 'one-stop shop' for adaptation information in Europe.
Documentation:
EU Adaptation Strategy Package
Policy:
What is the EU doing?