1.1 Obtaining high-level political support for adaptation

High-level political support can be triggered by recommendations from a higher level of governance, the way the EU Adaptation Strategy emphasizes the need for adaptation action at Member State level, or it could be triggered by legal obligations, even coming from a single sector. Political commitment is best expressed in a robust mandate to engage in an adaptation process. To ensure long term commitment for adaptation from political decision-makers or senior public management (which goes beyond the legislative period), raising awareness might be necessary at first.

Visible and credible political commitment by the national or sub-national government increases the political relevance of adaptation, i.e. its priority relative to other policy issues, at all levels. This can provide strong motivation to adaptation actors at other levels, strengthens their legitimation and position within their own organisations, and contributes to reducing local resistance and building acceptance.