EU’s Climate-ADAPT found to be a key tool for adaptation in Europe

The EEA report ‘Sharing adaptation information across Europe’ is a first evaluation of the Climate-ADAPT portal, which has steadily grown in content over the past six years. The evaluation is complemented by two other publications:

• a brochure, which presents selected examples of the platform’s use at various governance levels and sectors, 
• a technical study providing details on the methodology and the outcomes of the evaluation.

The number of users increased from 2 800 monthly users to over 14 000 between 2013 and 2017, reflecting the value of the information system which is seen as a practical ‘first-stop-shop’ for experts dealing with adaptation. Climate‑ADAPT has also successfully involved many information providers who have shared their knowledge, although the evaluation notes the scope to engage more providers in the future.

The report suggests that there is also potential to grow the use of the platform by improving its reach, especially to users in eastern and central Europe and users with less experience of adaptation. It explains that increasingly countries are moving from developing adaptation strategies to implementing action plans, which requires other information, for example, on indicators of progress and effectiveness of policies and actions – areas where Climate-ADAPT can help inform users.

The outcome of the evaluation will feed into the European Commission’s evaluation of the EU’s climate adaptation strategy currently taking place. It will help the Commission and the EEA in their work to update the platform ensuring it reflects changing policies and information demands at national, European and global level.

Background

Climate-ADAPT was launched in 2012 by the European Commission and the EEA to make better use of  knowledge on adaptation in Europe, to build an updated knowledge base, to enhance effective uptake by decision makers and contribute to better coordination among sectors and governance levels. It supports the EU’s Adaptation Strategy to help experts make  better-informed decisions and policies. The portal consists of two main components. The first provides information on vulnerability assessments, adaptation policies and strategies, funding opportunities, results from research and other projects,  and news and events. The second is a database , which aims to share information on adaptation in Europe by guiding users to relevant resources held elsewhere. Case studies on what regions, cities and towns are doing in terms of adaptation actions like expanding city parks or improving flood protection to address the adverse effects of climate change, are an important part of the platform.