European Union flag

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 .

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 . 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.

Please select a resource that has a preview image available.

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

Please select a resource that has a preview image available.

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

Water man 2.png

Water management

In the case study Landscape and Watershed Recovery Programme, Košice region, Slovakia, a water retention restoration programme prompted a substantial governance overhaul, leading to the creation of six independent Water and Land Restoration Advisory Boards. This new governance setting is expected to achieve the project results with a holistic cross-sectoral approach that favours community engagement.

Urban adaptation

The case study Evolving regions in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany, adopted a multi-level governance approach to address the adaptation needs and capacities of small, rural municipalities. The approach built on existing cross-sectoral regional networks for sustainable development. With political, financial and scientific support, the Federal State of North-Rhine Westphalia engaged regional administrations and municipalities to develop and adopt regional adaptation roadmaps in accordance with the Federal State Climate Adaptation Act.

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

Buildings

The case study Nature-Based Solutions in schools: a green way to adapt buildings to climate change in Solana de los Barros, Extremadura, Spain, illustrates the added value of monitoring to enhance adaptation actions. Green solutions were tested in a school building to combat rising temperatures and water scarcity. Monitoring revealed that some of the plant species selected were not suited to the local environmental conditions, allowing for swift adjustments, which led to the overall improvement in heat protection and indoor thermal comfort. Monitoring activities are planned for at least four more years to monitor and adjust the measures.

Coastal areas

The case study Sand Motor – building with nature solutions to improve coastal protection along Delfland coast, Netherlands, is a large project with monitoring and evaluation activities which confirm that the measures of this mega-nourishment for mitigating sea-level rise are working well. It is an example of other larger and structured interventions in the Climate-ADAPT case study catalogue which suggest that those have frequently detailed monitoring plans and even dedicated websites that report on the progress and effectiveness of the adaptation actions.

Urban adaptation

The Climate-ADAPT case study catalogue suggests that autonomous and small-scale adaptation actions more rarely include monitoring plans, as in the Climate proof collective garden Vrijburcht, Netherlands case study. It shows that qualitive evidence is available for this local initiative and is sufficient to track its progress, although it is either scattered and not systematically reported on, or not easily accessible.

Urban adaptation

Pilot and small-scale projects are often financed by project funding. Their maintenance and monitoring after the project ends are not always addressed and budgeted. In the Urban adaptation and mitigation Bratislava, Slovakia case study, the city accessed European Economic Area Grants and Norway Grants twice. This allowed the city to implement adaptation and mitigation measures in various areas of Bratislava and to gradually transform the urban layout by creating green spaces. This has been possible although the lack of a comprehensive monitoring scheme means it is difficult to evaluate overall progress.

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

Financial 2.png

Financial

The case study Bonds issued by the City of Paris, France raised private finance for public climate change mitigation and adaptation-related projects including establishing green areas, among others for heat protection. The  climate bond has evolved into a sustainability bond of the City of Paris, which was launched in 2017 and reissued yearly in the period 2020-2023 with a running time of to 2031 to support a wide range of sustainability projects.

Financial

The case study Crowdfunding platform realising climate change adaptation through urban greening in Ghent, Belgium, shows successful funding of small-scale local adaptation projects. In this case, the continuity of the adaptation actions might be an issue: the priorities of the crowdfunding platform have changed over time towards encouraging socio-cultural initiatives with limited relevance for climate change adaptation. This might lead to a potential risk for long-term success of the 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

Please select a resource that has a preview image available.

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

Please select a resource that has a preview image available.

Examples of Climate-ADAPT case studies at different governance levels

Water management

Transnational level
International cooperation frameworks and EU funding can support adaptation at transnational levels. For instance, in the Lower Danube corridor case study, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine signed an international agreement based on several international conventions and programmes, such as the Ramsar Convention and the EU Phare Multi-beneficiary programme for Environment, with the latter used to restore wetlands and floodplain habitats throughout the entire Danube River Basin. National-level collaboration between public institutions, sector associations and researchers enhanced the credibility of adaptation efforts. 

Energy

National level
The case study Hydropower management in Iceland  showcases Iceland’s 100% renewable electricity and heat system, leveraging the country’s abundant hydro- and geothermal resources. With climate change inducing glacier melt, hydropower stands gain from increased water flow. Collaborating with other Nordic governments and research agencies, Iceland’s national power company uses hydrological modelling to forecast future water flow, allowing for adjustments in water reservoir management strategies.

Urban adaptation

Regional/ local level
The case study Grey field renovation, in Jena, Germany illustrates how  detailed knowledge of local needs ensures that adaptation strategies are realistic and effective. This case study is based on an EU initiative to boost adaptation in cities and is supported by complementary case studies provided by the EU Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, itself guided by Climate-ADAPT’s Urban Adaptation Support Tool (UAST).

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

Please select a resource that has a preview image available.

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

Ecosystem cluster

The case study Wetland adaptation, in the Attica region, Greece  demonstrates the implementation of an action plan aimed at increasing the resilience of wetland ecosystems and reducing biodiversity loss. 

Food cluster

ecosyst cluster 2 (1).png

Ecosystem cluster

Risks to crop and livestock production are addressed in the case study Agro-silvo-pastoral system in Alentejo, Portugal, showing how farm-level agroforestry principles can be used to protect water resources in drought prone areas.

Health cluster

Infrastructure cluster

The case study Water quality protection, in Rimini, Italy presents ways to address the health risk posed by pathogens present in coastal waters experiencing  heavy rainfalls. The case study shows how overflow tanks can be used to avoid contamination of bathing waters due to sewage overflow. This approach prevents the need to resort to bathing bans on the city’s beaches, thus safeguarding tourism.

Infrast cluster 2.png

Infrastructure cluster

Economy and finance cluster

The case study Resilient railways, in the Alps, Austria shows how to improve the resilience of land-based transport against flooding and alpine hazards. This is achieved through the establishment of structural protection measures and by using weather monitoring system to ensures passenger safety and service continuity. 

Food cluster 2.png

Food cluster

Eco and fin cluster 2.png

Economy and finance cluster

The case study Drought insurance for agriculture, in Austria, describes a subsidised public-private insurance scheme adopted by the Austrian government. This scheme combines indemnity-based insurance with weather index-based products to address risks related to the financial and agriculture sector.

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

Please select a resource that has a preview image available.

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

Health

The case study Intercommunal trauma centre, in Schleiden, Germany describes how a region provides free short- to long-term psychosocial support to citizens and emergency service workers to mitigate the mental health impacts of extreme evens such as heavy rain and resulting flood events.

Forestry

The case studies Peri-urban Sonian beech forest, Belgium and the Water saving strategy Bosco Limite, Italy show that for many types of northern as well as southern and coastal forests, building up a diversity of tree species helps distribute vulnerabilities, since not all tree species are susceptible to the same stress, such as drought or erosion at the same time.

Marine and fisheries

Two case studies are available, dealing with invasive species control (Preventing lionfish invasion Cyprus) and fish-born issues for human health (Control ciguatera poisoning Canary Islands, Spain). Both case studies aim to support the fisheries sector coping with risks resulting from higher water temperatures. 

Multiple sectors

Forest management activities are examples of adaptation actions supporting multiple sectors. Forest resilience actions contribute to the objectives of the water management sector, as shown in the Silvicultural management in Lavant Valley, Carinthia, Austria case study. Preserving the protective function of  forests against natural hazards resulted to be key to avoid transport interruptions, as shown in the Rockfall management in Engadin, Switzerland case study.

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 . 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)

Please select a resource that has a preview image available.

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

Agriculture

NbS help to deal with drought, water scarcity, increasing temperature and flooding in agriculture. The case studies Soil structure improvement in Heilbronn district, Germany and Crop diversification in Segovia, Spain, demonstrate the applicability of NbS options in agroforestry and conservation agriculture to improve soil conditions and build resilience to climate change. 

Water man 2.png

Water management

NbS are used to manage water of river basins, through the Establishment and restoration of riparian buffers, and the Rehabilitation and restoration of rivers and floodplains. The case study Flood and drought risk management in Serchio River basin, Italy demonstrates how NbS can help transform agriculture and urbanisation land use and address a multitude of challenges highly exacerbated by climate change.

Coastal 2.png

Coastal areas

Climate-ADAPT case studies showcase the application of NbS such as dune construction and strengthening and beach and shoreface nourishment in coastal areas to contrast erosion from sea level rise induced by climate change. For example, the case study Coastal erosion management in the Marche region, Italy, shows how both options were used, while also applying elements of climate change adaptation in the integrated coastal zone management plan.

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

Please select a resource that has a preview image available.

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.

1Identifiers2Notes3References4Annexes

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

  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).
    ↵

Climate-ADAPT, 2024, ‘Climate-ADAPT Case Study Explorer’ (https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/en/knowledge/tools/case-study-explorer) accessed 21 March 2024. 

EC, 2024, COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS Managing climate risks - protecting people and prosperity (COM/2024/91 final) (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52024DC0091) accessed 16 April 2024. 

EC, 2021, COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS Forging a climate-resilient Europe - the new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change (COM/2021/82 final) (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2021%3A82%3AFIN) accessed 16 April 2024. 

EEA, 2018, Sharing adaptation knowledge across Europe, EEA Report No 3/2018, (https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/sharing-adaptation-information-across-europe) assessed 28 April 2024. 

EEA, 2022a, Climate-ADAPT strategy 2022-2024. Sharing knowledge for a climate-resilient Europe (https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/en/about/climate-adapt-strategy-2022-2024-final.pdf) accessed 4 March 2024. 

EEA, 2022b, Advancing towards climate resilience in Europe — Status of reported national adaptation actions in 2021, EEA Report No 11/2022, (https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/advancing-towards-climate-resilience-in-europe) accessed 16 April. 

EEA, 2022c, Climate change as a threat to health and well-being in Europe: focus on heat and infectious diseases, EEA Report No 07/2022 (https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/climate-change-impacts-on-health) accessed 16 April 2024. 

EEA, 2022d, Towards ‘just resilience’: leaving no one behind when adapting to climate change, EEA Briefing, (https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/just-resilience-leaving-no-one-behind/towards-just-resilience-leaving-no) accessed 28 April 2024. 

EEA 2023a, ‘Is Europe on track towards climate resilience? Status of reported national adaptation actions in 2023’ (https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/is-europe-on-track-towards-climate-resilience ) accessed 8 April 2024. 

EEA, 2023b, Economic losses from weather- and climate-related extremes in Europe, EEA Indicator CLIM039 (https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/indicators/economic-losses-from-climate-related) accessed 8 April 2024. 

EEA, 2023c, ‘Scaling nature-based solutions for climate resilience and nature restoration’ (https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/scaling-nature-based-solutions) accessed 16 April 2024. 

EEA, 2024a, European Climate Risk Assessment, EEA Report No 1/2024 (https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/european-climate-risk-assessment) accessed 08 April 2024. 

EEA, 2024b, Urban adaptation in Europe: What works?, EEA Report No 14/2023 (https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/urban-adaptation-in-europe-what-works) accessed 29 April 2024. 

EEA, 2024c, Responding to climate change impacts on human health in Europe: focus on floods, droughts and water quality, EEA Report 3/2024 (https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/responding-to-climate-change-impacts/), accessed on 14 June 2024.  

ETC CCA, 2018, Sharing adaptation knowledge across Europe: Evidence for the evaluation of Climate-ADAPT, ETC/CCA Technical paper No 2018/2, European Topic Centre on Climate Change Adaptation and LULUCF (https://www.eionet.europa.eu/etcs/etc-cca/products/etc-cca-reports/tp_2-2018) accessed 8 April 2024. 

ETC CCA, 2021a, Using Key Type Measures to report climate adaptation action in the EEA member countries, Technical Paper No 1/2021, European Topic Centre on Climate Change Adaptation and LULUCF (https://www.eionet.europa.eu/etcs/etc-cca/products/etc-cca-reports/using-key-type-measures-to-report-climate-adaptation-action-in-the-eea-member-countries ), accessed 14 June 2024. 

ETC CCA, 2021b, Just transition in the context of adaptation to climate change, Technical Paper No 2/2021, European Topic Centre on Climate Change Adaptation and LULUCF (https://www.eionet.europa.eu/etcs/etc-cca/products/etc-cca-reports/tp_2-2021) accessed 8 April 2024. 

ETC CA, 2023, Just Resilience for Europe: Towards measuring justice in climate change adaptation, ETC CA Report No 1/23, European Topic Centre on Climate Change Adaptation and LULUCF (https://www.eionet.europa.eu/etcs/etc-ca/products/just-resilience-for-europe-towards-measuring-justice-in-climate-change-adaptation) accessed 8 April 2024. 

EU, 2018, Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (Text with EEA relevance.) (OJ 328, 21.12.2018, pp. 1-77). 

EU, 2021, Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 2021 establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulations (EC) No 401/2009 and (EU) 2018/1999 (‘European Climate Law’) (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32021R1119) accessed 17 April 2024. 

IPCC, 2023, Summary for Policymakers', in: Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, pp. 1-34 (https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_SYR_SPM.pdf) accessed 8 April 2024. 

Noble, I. R., et al., 2014, ‘Adaptation needs and options’, in: Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Part A: Global and Sectoral Aspects. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Field, C. B., et al. (eds), Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, pp. 833-868 (https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/WGIIAR5-Chap14_FINAL.pdf) accessed 4 March 2024.

Additional Information