Time is running out to join the MIP4Adapt Technical Assistance Programme, an initiative that empowers Charter signatories to plan and seek funding to implement robust and effective climate change adaptation solutions in their regions. Applications close on 31 January 2025, marking the last opportunity to access this support. (More on climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu)
The sources provide a comprehensive view of the issue of climate change adaptation within the EU and point to several shortcomings in the efficiency of the use of funds for this purpose. (more…)
The paper analyses the financing options for local and regional authorities for climate change adaptation. It presents various public and private sources of financing, including public-private partnerships, investment funds and insurance mechanisms. It focuses on overcoming barriers to raising funds and highlights the importance of public-private cooperation. It provides case studies from the European Union that demonstrate successful adaptation financing projects. It concludes with recommendations for local authorities, private investors and policymakers to improve the availability and effectiveness of adaptation financing. The entire document
Urban areas contribute 70 % of global CO2 emissions and consume a staggering 75 % of the world’s energy. This impact will grow due to rapid urbanization: by 2050, more than two-thirds of the world’s population – around 6.5 billion people – will call cities home. This will put enormous pressure on resources, requiring even more energy and intensifying the environmental footprint of our cities.
If we want a climate-resilient future, we need to transform our concrete jungles into sustainable, thriving urban ecosystems. But how do we get there, and what disruptive innovations will make it possible? (Zachary Smith, more at weforum.org)
This research article describes the creation of a new integrated database of adaptation and mitigation measures in Europe. The database collects data from several existing sources, classifying and interlinking different types of climate measures. It focuses on the implementation of plans and provides information important for effective planning, including timelines, costs, and synergistic effects. The methodology used is reproducible and the database is available online. The research highlights the need for a unified framework for recording and monitoring climate action in Europe. (More on zenodo.org)
The Climate-ADAPT country profile panel has been updated with a new and more interactive design. The dashboard allows you to compare the adaptation policy information reported in 2023 across multiple countries or explore detailed information through each country's profile.
Read more on our country profile page .
Urbanizing river deltas are highly vulnerable to sea level rise and extreme weather events such as floods and droughts. Water-related disasters are already occurring more frequently due to climate change, rapid urbanization, unsustainable land use and aging infrastructure, which threaten much of the human and natural environment in these low-lying and declining areas around the world. As climate change stress levels accelerate, social and physical transformations are necessary to adapt our deltas to climate change. In the Netherlands, in the last century, imagination and evidence in the form of a long-term spatial vision have played a key role in setting, sharing and implementing a new direction to overcome flood disasters by changing the Rhine coast and riverbed. – Delta Meuse – Scheldt. The unprecedented rainfall in July 2021 and the storm in December 2021 that hit Western Europe revealed the effectiveness of this new direction. We therefore call for a leading role for design in delta climate science and management to imagine, analyze and communicate future climate adaptation perspectives in delta urbanization. (Chris Zevenbergen, Maurice G. Harteveld, Ellen Trompová, more at nature.com)
Local governments, policy makers, experts and stakeholders gathered in Barcelona last month to demonstrate sustainable solutions to energy poverty. Several LIFE projects were presented at the EPAH 2024 International Annual Conference. Across the northern hemisphere, nights are getting darker, colder and longer – and millions of people are facing the challenge of heating their homes. Nearly 500 energy poverty experts gathered in person and virtually at the EPAH 2024 International Annual Conference to explore ways to keep warm. We examine the contributions of two projects - Horizon 2020 CoolToRise and LIFE ReHABITA - that have shown how they help residents reduce energy consumption. bills, stay warm in winter and cool in summer. (More on cinea.ec.europa.eu)
Cities can implement different types of interventions to support the transformation towards sustainable climate resilience. These interventions, also called 'leverages', focus on five key areas, referred to in the resources as 'leverage points':
1. Values and goals:
2. Management (Governance):
3. Provision and exchange of knowledge:
4. Resources and capacities:
5. Measures:
It is important to emphasize that the transformation towards sustainable climate resilience requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that includes interventions at all five lever points. Successful transformation requires a long-term strategy, the cooperation of various stakeholders and the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions. Co2AI
Research on strengthening climate resilience in cities, particularly through transformation-based strategies, is still at an early stage. The success of climate change adaptation measures in cities is influenced by a wide range of factors. The sources identify ten key factors:
1. Personnel resources: Sufficient competent personnel in the municipality is essential for the planning and implementation of adaptation measures. A lack of staffing capacity can lead to a vicious cycle of inactivity.
2. Financial resources: The availability of funds from various sources (local budgets, subsidies, EU funds, research projects) is essential for the implementation and maintenance of adaptation measures. Complicated administration of subsidy applications can be an obstacle, especially for smaller cities.
3. Awareness of the problem and urgency: A strong sense of the need to act, which can be stimulated by the activity of civil society or the experience of extreme weather, is an important factor for the inclusion of adaptation measures on the agenda of the municipality.
4. Political will and support: Support from the political leadership is crucial for the promotion and implementation of adaptation strategies and measures.
5. Knowledge and data sources: Lack of data, its unavailability or incorrect processing, as well as uncertainty in knowledge represent a significant obstacle in adaptation.
6. Synergy vs. conflicts: Adaptation is easier to implement if synergies can be achieved with other areas, such as climate change mitigation or health protection. On the contrary, competition or conflicts with other areas of the city's development can be an obstacle.
7. Structure of self-government: Good communication and cooperation between the various departments of the municipality are important for the effective solution of adaptation issues. A clear division of responsibilities and specialized staff for adaptation are also essential.
8. Participation and acceptance: Acceptance by the public and civil society, as well as a high level of public participation and awareness, support adaptation. Conversely, lack of acceptance can be the cause of insufficient activity.
9. Legislative framework: The existence of a clear legislative framework at the national and regional level, which defines responsibilities and provides tools for adaptation, is important for the success of adaptation measures.
10. Character of the city: The size of the city, its type (historical city, industrial city, university city), financial and structural strength, as well as the organizational structure of the municipality, influence its adaptation capacity.
The sources emphasize that these factors are interconnected and their influence is manifested in different stages of adaptation.
In addition to identifying key factors, the resources emphasize the concept of adaptation points, which represent strategic points in the system where targeted changes can lead to large-scale impacts. Five adaptation points for adaptation to climate change in cities:
1. Values and goals: The sharing of common values and goals in the field of adaptation by the public, local government and other actors is the basis for a successful transformation.
2. Management (governance): Effective governance structures that support coordination, cooperation and participation of various stakeholders are essential for the implementation of adaptation measures.
3. Provision and exchange of knowledge: The availability of relevant and comprehensible information about climate change and its impacts, as well as tools and strategies for adaptation, is crucial for informed decision-making.
4. Resources and capacities: Sufficient personnel, financial and technical resources are essential for the implementation and maintenance of adaptation measures.
5. Measures: The selection and implementation of specific adaptation measures that are adapted to local conditions and needs is the essence of the adaptation process.
Sources state that successful adaptation requires targeted interventions at several, ideally at all adaptation points. A combination of measures at different levels of the system with an emphasis on long-term and systemic changes has a greater chance of success. Co2AI
The EU-funded ScienceUs project invites legal entities from EU Member States or countries associated with Horizon Europe to apply for funding to support initiatives related to the EU mission in the field of "Climate Change Adaptation". Successful applicants will receive financial support, networking opportunities and professional advice. The deadline for applications is January 6, 2025.
Read more at ScienceUs website .
This paper deals with the financing of adaptation to climate change. It focuses in particular on the need to increase financing for adaptation and on the obstacles that stand in the way of the involvement of the private sector. The paper highlights the gap between needed and available funding and presents several tools and initiatives that could help reduce this gap. In addition, the text describes barriers to private sector involvement, such as a lack of standardization, transparency and information, despite growing interest in climate action. The paper also outlines perspectives for future adaptation financing and highlights the need for political will to allocate resources for this important aspect of the fight against climate change.
You can download the document here
Our series mission success stories celebrates the innovative efforts of regions and local authorities across Europe to adapt to climate change. These stories highlight how communities are embracing resilience-building projects that deliver impactful solutions to the challenges posed by climate change. By presenting tangible examples of success, they illustrate the practical benefits and real results of the EU's climate change adaptation mission. (More on climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu)
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of today, and its consequences are already affecting the global economy. While some governments and companies are taking active measures to reduce emissions and adapt to climate conditions, many are still hesitant. However, the costs of inaction, i.e. of the absence of adaptation measures, may be much higher in the future than the current costs of adaptation. This knowledge is of fundamental importance for economic decision-making, since not only money is at stake, but also stability, security and quality of life around the world.
Economic consequences of climate change and their measurement
Climate change brings various challenges to the economy, which are manifested mainly in the increased frequency of extreme weather events, disruptions in supply chains and the gradual obsolescence of infrastructure. These events can cause extensive damage, with costs increasing dramatically over time. For example, when buildings are no longer adapted to the new temperature standards, their maintenance and repairs become more expensive.
Measuring the economic costs associated with climate change is difficult, because these costs manifest themselves inconspicuously at first and then suddenly. A key economic indicator, GDP (gross domestic product), does not reflect the true costs associated with climate change. GDP only shows production flows and therefore does not take into account the destruction of infrastructure or ecological resources. When natural disasters occur, after a short-term loss of production, investment is made in recovery, which can even artificially increase GDP, although the long-term economic damage is significant. An important step is therefore the efforts of institutions such as the French INSEE, which are trying to create new indicators to better express climate costs.
Long-term costs of inactivity
The costs of inaction can lead to huge economic losses that far exceed investments in adaptation measures. Climate change often has non-linear consequences – that is, once certain threshold points are crossed, drastic changes occur that can cause the collapse of entire industries. One example is ocean acidification and warming, which can threaten the fishing industry. Similarly, climate change could make office work in some cities unbearable within decades due to extreme heat.
Rising insurance rates that insurance companies would have to introduce due to the increase in natural disasters are also a risk. Higher insurance premiums would reduce the purchasing power of households and at the same time increase the cost of public spending financed through taxes or debt. All these factors can cause a slowdown in economic growth.
Adapting to climate change: the path to long-term stability
Economic actors must be aware of the need to adapt to climate change. Education and informing companies about the risks that climate change brings are key. Companies and regions should plan for the long term and develop new models that will be resilient to the changing environment. For example, the automotive industry could focus on innovation and the development of more energy-efficient technologies. The agricultural sector, on the other hand, needs new procedures that will ensure sustainable food production even in more extreme climatic conditions.
However, adaptation is not free – adaptation requires significant investment in infrastructure and technology. For example, France has just launched its third national adaptation plan, which includes consultations with businesses on measures to safeguard their activities in a +4°C warming scenario by the end of the century. This process is costly, but the costs of adaptation measures are still lower than the potential losses in case of inaction.
The role of financial institutions in the fight against climate change
The financial sector plays a vital role in financing sustainable solutions. Banks and investment companies can support green projects while discouraging investments that increase the carbon footprint. However, sustainable finance is complex because not all sectors can adapt easily. Sometimes it is also necessary to support industries that are not yet completely "green", but are working on transforming their activities.
Financial institutions alone cannot reverse climate change. Regulations and stimulating policies by governments are needed to ensure that adaptation processes are supported.
Conclusion
Climate change poses enormous challenges to the economy, which will be reflected in the costs of inaction. In the future, these costs could significantly exceed the funds spent on adaptation measures and sustainable solutions. Companies, governments and individuals alike must take action to minimize the negative consequences of the climate crisis and ensure long-term stability and development. Adaptation is costly, but ignoring the need for change would be much more costly. Spring
The Slovak Environment Agency, in cooperation with the Slovak Ministry of the Environment, launched a platform dedicated to adaptation to climate change. The goal is to use this platform as a communication and information channel. It contains sections for experts, but also for curious citizens, who can find here, for example, infographics or the latest adaptation news. Summary information is available in English
Read more at Slovak platform for adaptation to climate change .
MIP4Adapt has launched a new DIY Stakeholder and Citizen Engagement Manual to support local authorities in increasing citizen and stakeholder engagement in climate change adaptation efforts. The handbook provides a practical guide to engaging citizens and stakeholders in every phase of climate change adaptation planning, from land preparation for adaptation to monitoring and evaluation.
By actively involving communities, regional and local authorities can develop strategies that better reflect local needs and interests. Citizen participation also fosters a sense of responsibility and commitment, making adaptation efforts more sustainable in the long term. When stakeholders engage, they contribute valuable knowledge and resources, creating shared ownership and broad support for climate action. (More on climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu)
When we look around us, it is not difficult to see the countless ways in which nature contributes to our existence. However, the value of nature goes far beyond what it seems at first glance - it offers solutions with advantages that are often overlooked.
This is the extraordinary revelation of a group of researchers from the University of Oxford. Experts researched the economic implications of natural solutions (NbS) and what they discovered is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. (Sanjana Gajbhiye, more at earth.com)
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