Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The strategy meets the EU general political and economic targets indicated in
the transition towards a sustainable economy, an efficient use of the resources, the
respect of ecology and the implementation of low carbon emissions.
The main objective of the EU Strategy on adaptation is to make Europe more
climate-resilient. This requires a better preparation and a greater ability to react to
present and future impacts caused by climate changes. All levels of government
(local, regional, national and of the EU ) should be involved in order to achieve a
coherent and coordinated approach.
The strategy focuses on three main objectives:
• Promoting action by Member States. The Commission recommends that all
Member States adopt national adaptation strategies. The EU will provide
financial support for adaptation through the proposed LIFE instrument which
includes a climate action sub-programme. The Commission will support the
exchange of good practice among Member States, regions, cities and other
stakeholders. Building upon the success of its pilot project ''Adaptation strat-
egies for European cities'', the Commission will continue to promote urban
adaptation strategies. Adaptation action by cities will, in particular, be devel-
oped in coordination with other EU policies following the model of the Cov-
enant of Mayors.
• Better informed decision-making. The Commission will fill the gaps in the
knowledge of Climate Change adaptation. The future EU programme for
research and innovation, Horizon 2020, will address climate change adaptation
through its ''societal challenges'' priority investing in excellent science and
promoting innovation. It will be given greater impetus to the European Platform
on Climate Change ''Climate-ADAPT'' with better access to information and
greater interaction with other platforms.
• Climate-proofing the Commission will promote adaptation in vulnerable key
sectors. One priority and responsibility for the Commission is to mainstream
adaptation through legislations in such sectors as marine waters, forestry, and
transport and in important policy instruments such as inland water, biodiversity,
migration and mobility. The Commission will continue its work to facilitate the
climate proofing of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the Cohesion
Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The Commission will ensure
that Europe can rely on more resilient infrastructures through a review of
energy, transport and construction standards. In addition, it will promote
insurance and other financial products for resilient investments, business
decisions to reduce risks in the European market and measures into EU policies
and programmes.
The National Adaptation Strategies (NAS) are at different stages of planning
and implementation. Sixteen Member States have formally adopted their own
strategy of adaptation at this time, while twelve more Member States are already in
an advanced phase of adaptation. The Netherlands, for example, have already
implemented an important climate change adaptation Plan, combining different
