White Paper - Adapting to climate change: Towards a European framework for action

We will be faced with the impact of climate change for at least the next 50 years. We need therefore to take measures to adapt. Adaptation in Europe is already taking place but in a piecemeal manner. A more strategic approach is needed to ensure that timely and effective adaptation measures are taken, ensuring coherency across different sectors and levels of governance. This White Paper sets out a framework to reduce the EU’s vulnerability to the impact of climate change. It builds on the wide-ranging consultation launched in 2007 by the Green Paper on Adapting to Climate Change in Europe and further research efforts that identified action to be taken in the short-term. The framework is designed to evolve as further evidence becomes available. It will complement action by Member States and support wider international efforts to adapt to climate change, particularly in developing countries.

The white paper is accompanied by three sectoral papers on 1) agriculture, 2) health, and 3) water, coasts and marine issues.