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Briefing

Preparing society for climate risks in Europe - lessons and inspiration from Climate-ADAPT case studies

Briefing Published 26 Jun 2024 Last modified 30 Jul 2024
38 min read
Photo: © Vesna Špoljar, Climate Change PIX /EEA
Countries in Europe have made considerable progress in developing and planning policies to adapt to climate change. However, the pace and scale of adaptation actions needs to increase, as Europe is still not adequately prepared to address the risks posed by climate change. This briefing aims to inspire further adaptation actions across Europe. It presents Climate-ADAPT case studies as a pool of practical examples of implemented adaptation measures. These examples are applicable at different governance levels and policy sectors across European countries and can facilitate peer-to-peer learning.

Key messages

  • The case studies on the European Climate Adaptation Platform (Climate-ADAPT) offer insights from implemented actions and present new governance approaches to enable local and regional adaptation actions.
  • The European Climate Risk Assessment (EUCRA) emphasises the need for mainstreaming and upscaling adaptation actions across sectors and governance levels to address escalating climate risks, such as from extreme heat, drought, wildfires and flooding. Although Climate-ADAPT case studies cover many risks, gaps remain in the food, and economy and finance risk clusters.
  • While local examples predominate, there are less sub-national, national and a shortage of cross-border Climate-ADAPT case studies, making it challenging to improve preparedness for extreme transboundary events.
  • Climate-ADAPT case studies explore the co-benefits and potential trade-offs of adaptation measures, while highlighting the need for enhanced monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) to assess the effectiveness of these actions, support learning and prevent maladaptation.
  • The future development of Climate-ADAPT case studies will focus on addressing specific risks identified by the EUCRA, closing further gaps in terms of regions, sectors and governance levels and on capturing the replication potential of adaptation actions. Collaboration with EEA member countries is key in further upgrading the Climate-ADAPT case studies and to share practical learning experiences across Europe.

Climate-ADAPT case studies show how adaptation measures can be enabled, planned and implemented

Since its launch in 2012, Climate-ADAPT has been supporting and driving EU climate adaptation policies and practices. Guided by strategies (e.g. Climate-ADAPT Strategy 2022-2024) (EEA, 2022a), Climate-ADAPT was evaluated in 2018 (EEA, 2018) and regularly upgraded to match the new knowledge needs and policy requirements, most recently to support the priorities of the EU’s Adaptation Strategy (EC, 2021) and the tasks outlined in the European Climate Law. Another evaluation is currently being conducted and it will provide insights in how to further improve Climate-ADAPT to support new knowledge needs of the upcoming EU policy term.

The EUCRA (EEA, 2024a) has shown that Europe is not adequately prepared to address climate risks in many policy areas. In response to this assessment, the European Commission issued a Communication on climate risks and resilience in which it highlights the need for more and faster actions (EC, 2024). 

Climate-ADAPT case studies are a key means to support and boost the implementation of adaptation policies and planning at all governance levels across Europe. It is not yet possible to effectively determine the full impact of the case studies, including how many actions they inspired and in which cases they were upscaled for broader application. 

However, feedback from the 2018 Climate-ADAPT evaluation indicates that the Climate-ADAPT case studies were used as illustrative examples for strategic adaptation planning, research-oriented purposes and in stakeholder dialogues (ETC CCA, 2018; EEA, 2018). More recent feedback at EU, national and local level conferences shows continued interest in the case studies. Moreover, the case studies section is the second most visited feature on Climate-ADAPT, averaging 8,100 page views per month in 2023. This is in contrast to the ‘Country profiles’ section, which received 6,200 page views per month over the same period[1].

The Climate-ADAPT case studies, with their systematic coverage of regions, governance levels, policy sectors and adaptation measures, can serve as a valuable reference and a collective repository of practical solutions across all European countries. They facilitate building on existing experiences in developing adaptation actions and enable peer-to-peer learning, helping societies better prepare for climate change.

Box 1. What are Climate-ADAPT case studies

According to their mandate to develop and disseminate knowledge on practical climate adaptation in Europe (EEA, 2022a), Climate-ADAPT case studies showcase implemented adaptation measures and initiatives to create and improve the enabling conditions for adaptation at all governance scales, from local to EU. Since 2012, the European Environment Agency (EEA), supported by the European Topic Centre on Climate change adaptation and LULUCF (ETC CA), has prepared 128 case studies[2]. Climate-ADAPT case study descriptions are designed and updated based on up-to-date knowledge, often developed as a part of thematic EEA assessments, such as in the recent EEA reports Urban adaptation in Europe: What works? (EEA, 2024b) and Responding to climate change impacts on human health in Europe: focus on floods, droughts and water quality (EEA, 2024c). Those case studies often build on outcomes of project-based activities funded by the EU, such as under Horizon2020, Horizon Europe, LIFE, Interreg and funded by other sources, such as EEA and Norway grants. Since 2021, the European Climate and Health Observatory provides case studies of initiatives reducing and preventing health impacts of the changing climate. Most recently, the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change contributes to the Climate-ADAPT case studies. 

All case studies are presented on Climate-ADAPT through a common narrative. Each case study illustrates how to apply specific adaptation options.

Climate-ADAPT’s case study catalogue is not exhaustive, but it complements other EU case study catalogues that focus on adaptation knowledge within specific governance levels or policy sectors. For example, the OPPLA platform’s case studies, aiming to enhance biodiversity, show examples of implemented Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate resilience and the EU Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy provides case studies on adaptation at local levels. Climate-ADAPT case studies supplement national case study collections provided by European countries (Figure 1). Many EEA member countries have established national online collections of case studies and adaptation options to inspire action. These collections are mostly available in national languages, with limited content in English and vary in name, format and narrative.

Figure 1. Overview of the availability of online case study collections in EEA Member and EEA Cooperating countries

Note: Assessment of information reported in 2023 under the National Adaptation Action in Governance Regulation Art. 19 (EU, 2018) by EU Member States and by analogy on a voluntary basis by Iceland and Switzerland in 2023 and Türkiye in 2021, and of additional information requested from the Eionet group on Climate Change Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation in October 2023 in November 2023. Total number of countries=38 (32 EEA member countries and six cooperating countries (EEA-38_2020).

Click here for different chart formats and data

Climate-ADAPT EU adaptation sector policy pages provide information on EU policies and initiatives, knowledge provision and funding and investment for adaptation across 19 EU policy sectors (Figure 2). Among others, Climate-ADAPT case studies are catalogued on Climate-ADAPT under those EU policy sectors. Moreover, stakeholders are able to search case studies according to their specific backgrounds and interests and to submit case studies by using this guidance here. 

Figure 2. Climate-ADAPT policy sector information

Source: Climate-ADAPT, 2024

 

Climate-ADAPT case studies provide insights on how to enable and implement adaptation actions

Following the framework of the Climate-ADAPT Adaptation Support Tool (AST), the case studies primarily demonstrate how to implement adaptation options, as outlined in step 5 of the AST. However, successful implementation of adaptation actions relies on a thorough understanding of climate challenges and advanced solutions. It also requires effective governance mechanisms and access to funding. Many Climate-ADAPT case studies also present actions to enhance or establish new governance components. They show that different models of collaboration across government levels (local, national and regional) and with non-governmental organisations, private sector actors and communities are crucial for effective adaptation.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) identifies governance, finance and knowledge capacity as the three key enabling factors for adaptation (IPCC, 2023). Climate-ADAPT increasingly reflects the importance of these factors, introducing new case studies that demonstrate their practical effectiveness.

 

Examples of Climate-ADAPT case studies demonstrating improved or new governance approaches

Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation action is crucial but still underdeveloped in Climate-ADAPT case studies  

Monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) is essential to assess the effectiveness of adaptation actions, to prevent maladaptation and to identify areas for improvement, as outlined in step 6 of the AST. Yet only about 15% of Climate-ADAPT case studies showcase MEL approaches and the small number of systematic MEL schemes in Climate-ADAPT case studies means that learning over time may remain limited. In case studies that use monitoring schemes also beyond the start and end of the adaptation measures, over half of them include Nature-based solutions. The use of MEL schemes often depends on the size of the adaptation actions.

 

Examples of Climate-ADAPT case studies showcasing various levels of MEL approaches

 

Climate-ADAPT case studies provide up to date knowledge for learning on effective adaptation approaches

Climate-ADAPT case studies are made available online during implementation or shortly after completion of the projects. However, the outcomes may become measurable only after project completion. Therefore, the case studies are regularly updated to reflect progress and to report if the infrastructure is still in place and maintained, or even if the actions were upscaled or replicated in other areas. Hence, 72 case studies (more than half of the total catalogue at the time of writing) refer to a publication and/or revision date for the 2020-2023 period.

Due to the limited availability of and accessibility to MEL schemes in Climate-ADAPT case studies and the growing number of cases, updating them is challenging. However, the most recent update of a selection of Climate-ADAPT case studies, carried out in 2023 — 6 years after their initial publication — offered new insights into the effectiveness of adaptation measures. For example, the importance of continuity in financing, maintenance and monitoring of adaptation actions was shown to be essential to provide long-term benefits of adaptation governance and measures.

 

Examples of Climate-ADAPT case studies pointing to continuous funding as a crucial factor for long-term effectiveness of adaptation actions

 

Climate-ADAPT case studies support addressing climate risks across regions, governance levels and policy sectors in Europe 

European regions: all covered with Climate-ADAPT case studies but to a varied extent

Climate-ADAPT case studies provide examples of adaptation actions applicable to specific European contexts, though coverage of some regions is limited (Figure 3). However, despite this incomplete geographic coverage, the case studies can serve as a European reference and as a pool of practical solutions for peer-to-peer learning across all European regions. For example, as northern European countries anticipate more frequent and prolonged heatwaves in the future, practitioners need not start from scratch to develop measures, but can draw upon approaches and lessons learnt in central and southern European countries in managing heat effects to protect people’s health.

Figure 3. Regional distribution of Climate-ADAPT case studies

Note: This map is generated from the Climate-ADAPT case study explorer. It shows the location of case studies from EEA member and EEA cooperating countries including those from UK (EEA_39). Transnational case studies are assigned to one single country (the most relevant one or the one in lead of the adaptation actions).

Source: EEA, 2024

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Governance levels: local examples prevail over regional, national and cross-border case studies 

Although Climate-ADAPT case studies offer examples of adaptation across all governance levels, local actions are better represented than regional and national ones (Figure 4). This aligns with the EU’s Adaptation Strategy (EC, 2021), which puts forward local level actions as one of its key areas of action. Of the local and regional level case studies, 21 were recently referenced as inspiring examples in the 2024 EEA Urban adaptation report  (EEA, 2024b).

Effective adaptation requires multi-level governance arrangements supporting and targeting sub-national and local levels (EEA, 2023a). Thus, Climate-ADAPT also includes national-level case studies to show that national frameworks are needed and may support regional and local climate action. Additionally, climate impacts transcend borders. For example, the devastating floods along Germany’s Rhine and Belgium’s Meuse rivers in July 2021 resulted in some of the most expensive hazards in Europe from 1980 to 2022, with damages amounting to EUR 44 billion in the two countries (EEA, 2023b). However, as of the time of writing, only five case studies address transboundary actions.

Figure 4. Climate-ADAPT case studies per governance level

Notes: Individual case studies can be associated to more than one governance level. Therefore, the sum of case studies shown in the image (n=136) is higher than the total number of case studies (n=128).

Source: Climate-ADAPT, 2024.

 

Examples of Climate-ADAPT case studies at different governance levels

Climate-ADAPT case studies provide inspiration on how to address key European climate risks

Case studies address several of the climate risks identified in the five risk clusters (ecosystems, health, food, infrastructure, economy and finance) of the first ever EUCRA (EEA, 2024a). Under those clusters, EUCRA identified 36 major climate risks for Europe and assessed the urgency to act, informed by the severity of climate risks over time and by an indicative policy assessment. Climate-ADAPT case studies can be used to inspire urgent action for the risks grouped under the risk clusters, often addressing several risks simultaneously (Figure 5). The coverage of the 36 specific risks within these clusters will be further analysed. An initial assessment indicates that two risks related to food security in the food cluster and some risks in the economy and finance cluster are not yet covered by Climate-ADAPT case studies.

Figure 5. Climate-ADAPT case studies applying adaptation measures for key European risks

Notes: The assessment of how well Climate-ADAPT case studies cover EUCRA risks was conducted by identifying the relevant Climate-ADAPT adaptation options that address these risks. The selection was supported by expert judgement, provided by the EEA and ETC CA. Further details of the evidence for this analysis are available here. Since case studies usually address several risks, the total number of case studies displayed in the graph (n=421) is higher than the actual number of Climate-ADAPT case studies (n=128).

Source: Climate-ADAPT, 2024.

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Examples of Climate-ADAPT case studies addressing risks under EUCRA risk categories

Climate-ADAPT case studies for key affected policy sectors and sectors addressed under EUCRA

In line with the objectives of the EU’s Adaptation Strategy (EC, 2021) to enhance adaptation efforts across the board, Climate-ADAPT case studies provide inspiring examples of adaptation action for policy sectors affected by the impacts and risks of climate change. While not aiming to represent ongoing actions in each sector, Climate-ADAPT case studies are available for most of the policy sectors identified by the strategy. Climate-ADAPT continually strives to capture examples of adaptation from and for sectors that are less represented or not represented at all (Figure 6). Climate-ADAPT provides case studies for sectors that are repeatedly and most often reported by European countries in 2023 (EEA, 2023a) and 2021 (EEA, 2022b) as ‘key affected sectors’ across all European regions: health, agriculture, forestry and biodiversity.

Figure 6. Climate-ADAPT case studies per policy sector

Note: Policy sectors are structured according to the Climate-ADAPT sector classification (Figure 2). Case studies, not specifically targeting one or more sectors are categorised as ‘Non specific’. Most of the case studies are categorised in Climate-ADAPT with more than one sector; therefore, the sum of all case studies displayed in the graph (n=359) is larger than the total number of Climate-ADAPT case studies (n=128). 

Source: Climate-ADAPT, 2024.

Click here for different chart formats and data

Based on increased adaptation actions under EU initiatives and funding, and in line with the priorities of the EU adaptation strategy and national-level actions, the water management, disaster risk reduction and urban sectors show the largest share of Climate-ADAPT case studies. The forestry sector, which requires a long-term perspective and ongoing adjustments, rather than a single-year investment, shows a relatively lower number of case studies.

Since 2021, the number of case studies relevant to the health sector has substantially increased, due to the activities under the European Climate and Health Observatory. These case studies capture adaptation actions to anticipate, prevent and minimise the health threats caused by climate change, such as heat and vector-borne diseases (EEA, 2022c), as well as water-related climate change health impacts (EEA, 2024c).

In line with the EU Adaptation Strategy and other EU policies, EU adaptation initiatives have been extended for the cultural heritage, business and industry, information communication and technology (ICT), land-use planning, mountain areas and tourism sectors. Complementing those activities with practical evidence through new Climate-ADAPT case studies is ongoing.

Many sectors facing high climate risks, as identified by EUCRA, are also covered by Climate-ADAPT case studies. The marine and fisheries, and financial sectors under the food, and economy and finance clusters only have a few case studies. Delivering climate neutral energy in Europe under changing climate conditions is crucial to achieve the EU climate goals. However, examples of adaptation actions in the energy sector—categorised under the infrastructure cluster by EUCRA­ — are also underrepresented by Climate-ADAPT case studies.

Most Climate-ADAPT case studies span multiple sectors, highlighting that implementing adaptation measures typically generates synergies among and co-benefits across different sectors.

 

Examples of case studies for selected policy sectors

Climate-ADAPT case studies showcase using various adaptation measures including NbS

Climate-ADAPT case studies illustrate how applying adaptation options can turn sub-national, national and EU policies into practical actions. These options are categorised according to the Key Type Measures (KTM), an EEA approach that can be voluntarily used to report adaptation actions under the GovReG (ETC CCA, 2021a)[3]. The Climate-ADAPT case study explorer allows users to find examples where different KTMs have been implemented.

Most Climate-ADAPT case studies, which focus on implemented adaptation actions, apply physical and technological options (KTM C), NbS and Ecosystem-based approaches (KTM D). However, due to the recent extension of the case studies’ focus on governance aspects, future case studies will increasingly include examples of how to apply measures related to governance and institutions (KTM A) and to economy and finance (KTM B).

Implementing NbS on a larger scale to increase climate resilience and to contribute to multiple Green Deal objectives is a primary focus of the EU Adaptation Strategy (EC, 2021). NbS used in Climate-ADAPT case studies refer to different sectors and address diverse impacts, demonstrating the versatility and the wide societal and environmental benefits they offer. The widespread distribution of case studies that implemented NbS and ecosystem-based approaches is shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7. Climate-ADAPT case studies applying NbS and ecosystems-based approaches (KTM D)

Note: The coverage of Climate-ADAPT case studies can be accessed from the Climate-ADAPT case study explorer, by using the filter ‘Key Typer Measures’ and the filter option ‘Nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches’. It covers case studies from EEA member and EEA cooperating countries including those from UK (EEA_39).

Source: Climate-ADAPT, 2024.

Click here for different chart formats and data

 

Examples of Climate-ADAPT case studies highlighting the use of NbS and ecosystem-based approaches (KTM D)

 

Climate-ADAPT case studies showcase implementation of adaptation with synergies

Since adaptation is not the end objective in itself but rather a way to sustainably support other environmental, economic and societal objectives, the co-benefits of adaptation measures are increasingly important. Adaptation actions should be integrated into broader development policies and planning processes to ensure coherence and avoid unintended consequences of adaptation, as detailed in step 4.1 of the AST. Recently, Climate-ADAPT aims to better capture and explicitly integrate these co-benefits and potential trade-offs in its case study descriptions. Case studies reporting on those aspects can be accessed through the interactive map-based Climate-ADAPT case study explorer via using the ‘Adaptation elements’ filter.

While most Climate-ADAPT case studies report environmental and/or societal aspects of the adaptation process, cost-benefit analyses and maintenance costs and other economic aspects such as repercussions on the local economy are less frequently described. Similarly, synergies with mitigation actions as a key environmental aspect are underreported, as is the replication and upscaling potential of the adaptation measures (Figure 8).

By detailing all those aspects, the Climate-ADAPT case studies complement the lessons learnt from assessments of national adaptation policies (EEA, 2023a) and contribute to advancing societal preparedness to climate change and addressing the risks identified by EUCRA. 

Figure 8. Climate-ADAPT case studies informing about additional aspects for learning on implementing adaptation

Note: Individual case studies can be associated to more than one adaptation aspect. Therefore, the sum of case studies shown in the image (n=290) is higher than the total number of case studies (n=128).

Source: Climate-ADAPT, 2024.

 

 Environmental aspects of adaptation actions presented in several Climate-ADAPT case studies

Considering the co-benefits and trade-offs of adaptation measures for the environment is crucial to maintain ecosystem services. The IPCC’s recent Assessment Report highlights that focusing on short-term gains and on sectors and risks in isolation often leads to maladaptation in the long term, creating lock-ins of vulnerability, exposure and risks that are difficult to change (IPCC, 2023). As funding for adaptation increases, there is a growing focus on avoiding potential maladaptive actions. Over half of the Climate-ADAPT case studies describe positive environmental effects of adaptation interventions. However, Climate-ADAPT case studies also indicate that adaptation might result in environmental trade-offs, especially when adaptation is not rooted in an ecosystem-based approach. The case studies also show that these risks are considered during the implementation of adaptation actions.

 

Examples of Climate-ADAPT case studies that implement environmental co-benefits and avoid trade-offs

 

 Synergies between adaptation and mitigation actions reflected in some Climate-ADAPT case studies

Adaptation is a prerequisite to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal under changing climate conditions. Some Climate-ADAPT case studies show synergies with climate change mitigation measures through energy savings, usage of renewable energy sources and restoration of ecosystems that enable carbon sequestration and storage. These case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating both adaptation and mitigation strategies.

 

Examples of Climate-ADAPT case studies presenting synergies with mitigation

 

          Addressing economic aspects in adaptation actions

Adaptation is a prerequisite to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal under changing climate conditions. Some Climate-ADAPT case studies show synergies with climate change mitigation measures through energy savings, usage of renewable energy sources and restoration of ecosystems that enable carbon sequestration and storage. These case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating both adaptation and mitigation strategies.

 

Examples of Climate-ADAPT case studies presenting synergies with mitigation

Comparing costs and benefits of adaptation actions can be improved in Climate-ADAPT case studies

According to step 4.1 of the AST, analysing costs and benefits to assess whether the benefits of an adaptation option, such as avoided damage, outweighing its costs is crucial. Such an analysis can also serve to compare alternatives, enhancing the effectiveness of adaptation strategies.

Possibly due to methodological challenges, such as scattered data from heterogenous data sources, only very few Climate-ADAPT case studies feature an analysis of costs and benefits of adaptation actions. Of these, only 23 case studies provide quantitative information about either costs or benefits or both, with varying degrees of accuracy. Maintenance costs, which are often crucial for the success of adaptation actions, pose a risk of discontinuing the activity if they are too high. To date, only a few case studies consider maintenance costs.

 

Examples of Climate-ADAPT case studies showcasing the application of cost-benefit analysis (CBA)

 Protecting people’s health is most addressed social and just resilience aspect in Climate-ADAPT case studies

The Sixth IPCC Assessment Report  (IPCC, 2023) highlights justice as a core element of climate change adaptation. Justice has also emerged as a key aspect of adaptation policies and planning at EU and national levels (ETC CA, 2023). Ensuring that no one is left behind requires a focus on justice aspects at all stages of the adaptation policy cycle as well as a meaningful engagement of affected and vulnerable groups in decision-making processes (EEA, 2022d; ETC CCA, 2021b).

All case studies include a description of stakeholders’ engagement in the adaptation process, from information and communication activities to co-creation and co-design of adaptation measures. However, the case studies typically do not detail the involvement of different social groups. Most case studies that offer social co-benefits involve adaptation actions that ensure water availability, decrease risks from flooding and heatwaves, by creating better access to green areas for recreation, thereby protecting people from heat and improving overall quality of life. Additionally, mapping of vulnerable populations is a common strategy in urban adaptation and land use planning to design just adaptation actions to address the impacts of heatwaves. Only a subset of the case studies focuses on just resilience by placing vulnerable groups at the centre of the implemented measure. A few Climate-ADAPT case studies show that trade-offs between adaptation actions and interests of social groups were analysed and addressed using participatory approaches, mostly in relation to land use for flood or sea level rise management. 

 

Examples of Climate-ADAPT case studies presenting social aspects and just resilience

 Replication and upscaling of Climate-ADAPT case studies has unrealised potential

Climate-ADAPT case studies aim to inspire replication of adaptation across different geographic areas facing similar challenges or to scale up local solutions. Coordinating and upscaling regional and local adaptation efforts, along with aligning adaptation policies across all administrative levels, is considered a key condition of successful adaptation (EEA, 2023a).

However, the potential for scaling and replication of the case studies could be further explored. Certain enabling conditions have been successful in unlocking the replication potential of Climate-ADAPT case studies. On the other hand, transformational local solutions that require broader governmental adjustments might restrict the replication of these approaches. The case studies of the Green Roof in Hamburg, Germany and Tullstorp, Sweden, are highlighted in an EEA briefing for their upscaling potential of NbS (EEA, 2023c). 

 

Examples of success and limiting factors for the replication of Climate-ADAPT case studies

Future Climate-ADAPT case studies will focus on sectors highlighted in the European Climate Risk Assessment

The development of Climate-ADAPT case studies will focus on addressing specific risks identified by EUCRA and that currently lack examples of how to put climate change adaptation policies and planning into practice under the risk clusters (ecosystems, health, food, infrastructure, economy and finance). Additional case studies will also focus on key vulnerable sectors reported by EU Member States (health, agriculture, forestry and biodiversity) and aim to improve the coverage of the marine and fisheries, forestry, financial, transport and energy sectors. Likewise, Climate-ADAPT will also enhance its coverage of case studies for European regions and the outermost regions of Europe, as well as for the transnational level to support cross-border adaptation interventions. An increased emphasis on Monitoring, evaluation and learning is needed to strengthen knowledge on the effectiveness of adaptation actions in Europe. Future case study contributors will be asked to include more information on MEL approaches taken, as well as economic costs and co-benefits of actions to support this. Insights from the ongoing Climate-ADAPT evaluation will inform addressing specific needs of stakeholders for case studies.

The number of case studies collections in EEA member countries is expected to increase. For example, new national information platforms are under construction in Slovakia, Spain and Finland. Collaboration through the European Information and Observation Network (Eionet) will not only improve and close gaps in the catalogue of Climate-ADAPT case studies, but will also serve to further integrate MEL actions into the implementation of adaptation measures. This will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and practices between countries, thereby expanding the accessibility of national expertise across Europe.

Notes

[1] Climate-ADAPT Web statistics 2017-2023, prepared by ETC CA.

[2] Number of Climate-ADAPT case studies by March 2024, Climate-ADAPT case study explorer. This number includes 5 case studies independently developed under the Spanish adaptation platform (AdapteCCa) which were however excluded from all analyses for this briefing. It also includes 12 case studies located in the United Kingdom that is no longer part of EEA member countries and cooperating countries. Their content is no longer updated on Climate-ADAPT and thus not covered in parts of the analysis underlining Figures 6 and 8.

[3] Adaptation options are also structured by IPCC measures to link them to the global level (Noble et al., 2014).

References

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Identifiers

Briefing no. 08/2024
Title: Preparing society for climate risks in Europe - lessons and inspiration from Climate-ADAPT case studies 
EN HTML: TH-AM-24-011-EN-Q - ISBN: 978-92-9480-665-9 - ISSN: 2467-3196 - doi: 10.2800/11657
EN PDF: TH-AM-24-011-EN-N - ISBN: 978-92-9480-664-2 - ISSN: 2467-3196 - doi: 10.2800/038271

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The country assessments are the sole responsibility of the EEA member and cooperating countries supported by the EEA through guidance, translation and editing.

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