Recent findings indicate that the impacts of climate change will be swifter and more severe than indicated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in their 2007 report. The impact of climate change will have varying regional implications meaning that most adaptation measures will need to be taken nationally and regionally. The approach presented by the Commission is to complement actions taken by Member States through an integrated and coordinated approach.

The seriousness of climate change is becoming greater and more disturbing with each passing year. We must work hard to reduce carbon emissions, but even with the emission reductions we are committed to achieving, some amount of climate change is inevitable.

It is therefore essential that we start work now with governments, business, and communities to develop a comprehensive adaptation strategy for the EU and to ensure that adaptation is integrated into key EU policies.

—European Commissioner for the Environment Stavros Dimas

Over the next 50 years climate change is likely to have profound effects on important economic sectors such as agriculture, energy, transport, ecosystems, tourism and health. It will also affect households and businesses and certain sectors of society, notably the elderly, the disabled and low-income households.

A first phase of the strategy outlined in the White Paper will run until 2012 and will lay the groundwork for preparing the second phase, a comprehensive EU adaptation strategy from 2013 and beyond. It will focus on increasing the understanding of climate change and possible adaptation measures and how adaptation can be embedded in key EU policies. Decisions on how best to adapt must be based on solid scientific and economic analysis, yet information content and availability differs widely across regions. The paper outlines the need for a Clearing House Mechanism in which to exchange information on climate change risks, impacts and best practices.

Impacts of climate change will vary by region, with coastal and mountain areas and flood plains particularly vulnerable. It is for this reason that most adaptation measures will be carried out nationally or regionally. The role of the European Union will be to support these efforts through an integrated and coordinated approach, particularly in cross-border issues and policies which are highly integrated at EU level.

Climate change adaptation will need to be at the heart of all EU policies, the paper reads. Adaptation must also feature prominently in the EU’s external policies to assist those countries most affected and cooperate on international adaptation issues with partner countries.

The Commission also presented three discussion papers on water, coasts and marine, agricultural and health issues based on the framework set out in the White Paper.

The Commission will create an Impact and Adaptation Steering Group (IASG) to oversee the implementation of the strategy. This will be made up of representatives of the EU Member States and will be supported by technical groups focusing on key sectors. Between now and 2012, the IASG will work to develop a comprehensive strategy on adapting to climate change from 2013 on.

Resources

• Living With Climate Change in Europe