A comprehensive EU Climate Change Adaptation Strategy after 2013 DG Climate Action, European Commission Humberto Delgado Rosa, Director Directorate Mainstreaming Adaptation & Low Carbon Technology Climate Action
EU Adaptation Strategy increasing role of adaptation in climate policy the pragmatic dimension of adaptation the psychological dimension of adaptation why is adaptation at EU level needed? transboundary impacts, transnational action impact in European policies, single market solidarity with the most impacted regions
the general aim EU Adaptation Strategy To enhance the preparedness and capacity to respond to the impacts of climatic change at EU, Member State, regional and local levels the basis Commission White Paper (2009) 4 pillar action plan: knowledge base, mainstreaming, international cooperation, policy instruments 33 long-term actions implementation from 2009-2012
The EU Adaptation Strategy the objectives (1)(1) Knowledge Improve and widen the knowledge base and identify gaps Further the understanding of vulnerabilities and adaptation options Facilitate knowledge use and exchange (2)(2) Policy and market-based instruments Mainstream adaptation into policies at EU level, including revision of legislation to include climate adaptation Identify potential adaptation actions (insurance, standards, regulations, projects...) (3)(3) Cooperation and facilitation Facilitate cooperation with and between Member States, regions, cities and other relevant stakeholders Provide guidelines for adaptation
EU Adaptation Strategy: the mainstreaming approach Earmarking of 20% of the 2014-2020 budget (Multiannual Financial Framework) for climate-related expenditure Mainstreaming of climate action in the future Cohesion Policy, Common Agriculture Policy, Research & Innovation (Horizon 2020), Common Fisheries Policy LIFE+ to have a dedicated programme for climate action (1/3 of budget) and a funding line for adaptation
EU Adaptation Strategy: development of the knowledge-base CLIMATE ADAPT (climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu) Online platform on adaptation Facilitating knowledge dissemination and exchange Database comprising publications, projects, guidance documents, organizations, case studies Tools, indicators, maps for adaptation planning Information on sectoral policies and on spatial entities (countries, regions, cities, etc) 50.000 unique visitors since launch 23 March 2012
3 key tools have been developed for CLIMATE-ADAPT Adaptation support tool Overview of countries activities Case study search tool
EU Adaptation Strategy: addressing the insurance market address failures in natural catastrophe insurance ensure information from insurers on risk prevention ensure adoption of incentives for adaptation ensure availability to cover adequately the risks that can not be prevented by adaptation measures ensure that the insurance industry is able to cope with increasing risks of climate change
EU Adaptation Strategy: standards and guidelines standards, technical specifications, codes and safety provisions for infrastructure resilience ensure that EU investment and public procurement are climate proofed ensure identification and protection of critical infrastructure vulnerable to climate impacts modify existing standards and guidelines guidelines: adaptation strategies; project developers; agriculture; climate risk disclosure...
EU Adaptation Strategy: promoting adaptation strategies national adaptation strategies are crucial, but lack in several Member States proper assessment of risks and vulnerabilities at national and regional level help identify cross-border issues and EU added-value a legal proposal could result better than guidelines no one-size-fits-all, but common basic principles: proportionality; subsidiarity; precaution... flexibility: accommodate pre-existing strategies, profit review cycles, light reporting
EU-Adaptation Strategy: added value European added value Providing a common framework, guidance and tools Allowing flexibility for Member States that are advanced in adaptation while providing impulse and support to those that are just starting Facilitating integrated cross-border solutions where required Facilitates experience exchange and mutual learning
The Baltic macro-regional strategy Synergies and added-value Mainstreams climate action into the Baltic Sea Programme Helps filling gaps between national and European approaches Needs to be alligned with existing strategies such as the general Baltic Sea Strategy and national/regional strategies Supports countries that do not yet have their national adaptation strategies and policies Facilitates transnational adaptation Facilitates cooperation and integrated approaches at a macro-regional spatial level and beyond administrative borders Provides a good example for multi-level governance
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