Addressing adaptation in the EU policy framework

Abstract

Though the EU's climate change mitigation strategy has taken precedence over adaptation, there are signs this is beginning to change. With the publication of both a Green (2007) and a White Paper (2009) on an EU Adaptation strategy, the European Commission has taken the important step of initiating broad discussion and encouraging the mainstreaming or integration of adaptation strategies into the existing EU and Member state policy framework. Still, without extensive revision-in particular in the direction of ecosystem preservation, improvement and creation-and the parallel introduction of a Climate Change Commission mandated to pursue mitigation AND adaptation strategies in the Community interest, policy outcomes are likely to remain fragmented and suboptimal. Institutional divisions at the EU and national levels reinforce sectorally-driven climate strategies that only partially address the goals of either mitigation or adaptation. Among other policy suggestions, this chapter makes two broad recommendations. First, the EU and the Member states should seriously re-evaluate the approach to such policies as the water framework directive, Natura 2000 sites and biodiversity, afforestation, ecosystem services and ecosystem preservation. Second, significant institutional reforms could heighten EU commitment to the climate change agenda, reinforce its already significant international bargaining authority and broaden the focus and impact of the EU's growing mitigation and adaptation agenda. Rapidly changing climate dynamics leave little room to dally. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.