EU Adaptation Strategy 2021
The European Commission presented a new, more ambitious adaptation strategy on February 24, 2021. It forms the basis of a long-term vision to achieve a climate-resilient society in Europe by 2050—one that is fully adapted to the unavoidable impacts of climate change.
The first EU Adaptation Strategy from 2013 focused heavily on building knowledge to enable fact-based action. The new strategy shifts the focus to action, moving the emphasis from understanding the problem to developing solutions, and from planning to implementing adaptation measures.
According to the European Commission, the primary responsibility for implementation remains with the Member States. Enhanced proactive measures at the EU level are intended to support them in their concrete adaptation initiatives. The document states that economic losses in the EU due to increasingly frequent climate-related extreme weather events already amount to more than 12 billion euros per year. If global warming rises by three degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, this figure is expected to (conservatively) increase to at least 170 billion euros annually.
The new strategy sets out three main objectives:
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Smarter adaptation
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Faster adaptation
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Systemic adaptation
In addition, it includes strengthening international efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Smarter Adaptation
Knowledge should be further deepened, and dealing with uncertainty effectively managed. A central role is played by the Climate-ADAPT knowledge platform, which is to be further improved and strengthened, including by providing more data on climate-related risks and losses. Decisions must be based on the latest scientific findings. Intensive support is also expected from the EU satellite programme COPERNICUS. The Commission plans to establish a dedicated observatory for the health impacts of climate change.
Faster Adaptation
The development and implementation of adaptation measures must happen more quickly, and climate-related risks must be reduced. It is critically noted that adaptation efforts have so far focused mainly on awareness-raising; now, the goal is to actually bring solutions into practice. The EU intends to support this on multiple levels, including through the EU Taxonomy, particularly concerning sustainable measures in climate adaptation.
Systemic Adaptation
Adaptation measures should be systemic in nature. This means enhanced mainstreaming that no longer focuses on just a selection of relevant policy areas but ensures broad integration and consideration of adaptation aspects across all policy levels and in all relevant sectors.
The European Commission wants to support Member States in further developing adaptation strategies and plans, with three cross-cutting areas prioritized: macro-fiscal policy, nature-based approaches (such as ecosystem restoration), and local adaptation.
Cross-border cooperation should be boosted, and monitoring, reporting, and evaluation in the area of climate change adaptation advanced. A pilot facility to support local and regional authorities is to be established within the Covenant of Mayors framework.
Strengthening International Measures
Similar to climate mitigation, the EU aims to take a leading role internationally in adaptation as well. Reference is made to the Paris Agreement, which places high importance on climate adaptation. International financing is to be increased, and engagement in global adaptation efforts intensified. The EU will promote subnational, national, and regional adaptation plans, with a particular focus on Africa and small island developing states. Adaptation is also recognized as a valuable tool for preventing international conflicts.
Financing
The financing of initiatives foreseen in the new EU Adaptation Strategy is also addressed. Funds are to be made available, for example, through the European Structural and Investment Funds, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the LIFE programme, and the EU Recovery Fund.