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New EU strategy on adaptation to climate change

25 Feb, 2021

EU ADAPTATION STRATEGY

The European Commission adopted its new EU strategy on adaptation to climate change on 24 February 2021. This new strategy sets out how the European Union can adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change and become climate resilient by 2050. The Strategy has four principle objectives: to make adaptation smarter, swifter and more systemic, and to step up international action on adaptation to climate change.

To achieve smarter adaptation, the strategy proposes actions that push the frontiers of knowledge on adaptation so that more and better data can be gathered on climate-related risks and losses, and enhance Climate-ADAPT as the European platform for adaptation knowledge.

To adapt more quickly and comprehensively the strategy focuses on developing and rolling out adaptation solutions to help reduce climate-related risk, increase climate protection and safeguard the availability of fresh water.

To achieve a more systematic adaptation the Commission will support the further development and implementation of adaptation strategies and plans at all levels of governance with three cross-cutting priorities:

  • integrating adaptation into macro-fiscal policy
  • nature-based solutions for adaptation
  • local adaptation action.

To step up international action on adaptation to climate change the EU will increase support for international climate resilience and preparedness through the provision of resources, by prioritising action and increasing effectiveness, through the scaling up of international finance and through stronger global engagement and exchanges on adaptation.

The Commission will discuss the strategy with the Member States in the Environmental Council. The Council is expected to agree to conclusions on the new strategy when it meets in June 2021.

The European Commission announced the new, more ambitious EU Adaptation strategy in the European Green Deal in December 2019.

Further information:

source: European Commission

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