Adapting to a changing climate in Europe: Strategies for reducing risk and building resilience

Global temperatures on land have risen by 0.9°C since the 1950s, and are expected to continue rising by 2°C and more, compared to pre-industrial temperatures.

The changing climate affects many sectors of business and society. Different kinds of adaptation measures are needed for each situation – there is no one-size fits all approach.

Adaptation to a changing climate can be undertaken at all levels: individuals, companies, international organisations, cities, regions and countries. Insurance, as a traditional risk management tool, can play a meaningful role in managing climate risk.

In the EU, adaptation is primarily the responsibility of Member States and local actors. The European Commission (EC) supports coordination, research and knowledge-sharing. The EU adaptation strategy, adopted by the EC in April 2013, sets out EU actions and promotes actions by Member States.

Some economists argue that adaptation measures are best carried out by private actors, with only a limited role for states or international organisations. Experts note that adaptation measures should provide the most cost-effective way to achieve an acceptable level of risk and should not be delayed because of uncertainties about future impacts.

ESO: Background information: EU mulls climate-change adaptation strategy http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-mulls-climate-change-adaptation-strategy/

ESO: Background information: Conclusions on an EU strategy on adaptation to climate change http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-conclusions-on-an-eu-strategy-on-adaptation-to-climate-change/

ESO: Background information: Website: Climate change http://www.europeansources.info/record/climate-change-7/

ESO: Background information: Climate change, impacts and vulnerability in Europe 2012 http://www.europeansources.info/record/climate-change-impacts-and-vulnerability-in-europe-2012/

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