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Key message
Get politicians on board to show their commitment to climate adaptation action, ensuring it remains a top priority in your local or regional authority.
Long-term political support is essential for planning and implementing climate adaptation. A supportive political environment helps coordination between organisations in different sectors and to allocate resources effectively.
Political backing can be encouraged by commitments from higher levels of government, such as European or national authorities. The EU's strategy on adaptation to climate change (2021) highlights the importance of supporting and recognising adaptation efforts across all levels of government.
What are the key EU policies supporting climate adaptation?
At the regional level, top-down regulatory measures may drive political commitment. For instance, national adaptation strategies and plans might mandate local and regional authorities to develop policy documents, offering technical support and financing mechanisms. National requirements for adaptation planning at local and/or regional levels are in place for several countries, like Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Portugal and Sweden.
Increasingly, European local and regional authorities are moving forward with adaptation policymaking through voluntary and bottom-up approaches (see Examples 1.2 - 1.4). Many demonstrate their commitment by taking part in international initiatives like the following:
311 local and regional authorities have pledged their support for this mission, taking a significant step towards securing long-term political backing for their adaptation efforts.
Local and regional authorities can demonstrate commitment to climate action by becoming signatories, territorial coordinators or supporters of the covenant. Local authorities (signatories) commit to submitting a sustainable energy and climate action plan within 2 years of joining. Regional authorities (territorial coordinators) offer help, within the network, with planning and implementing adaptation measures. As of 2023, there were over 11,000 signatories across the 27 EU countries, although less than half have committed to addressing climate change adaptation.
Example 1.2 DK2020 network
In Denmark, although it is not obligatory, most municipalities review and update their local adaptation plans regularly – either in connection with municipal plans, or as part of DK2020, a voluntary Danish city network. The DK2020 initiative is based on a standard developed by C40 Cities. Participating in the network ensures all Danish municipalities use the same standard for planning climate action and illustrates the political support and leadership for climate adaptation across the country.
Example 1.3 Climate pacts
In Luxembourg, all 102 municipalities are involved in climate mitigation and adaptation planning through the Climate Pact. As part of the pact, the national government provides municipalities with financial support to implement mitigation, energy efficiency and adaptation measures. The Climate Pact enables coordination between the national and local governments and encourages municipalities to take action in line with national climate adaptation commitments.
Example 1.4 Flemish Climate Pact
The Flemish Local Energy and Climate Pact (2021) breaks down EU climate goals into 10 tangible targets across four domains – green infrastructure, mobility, sustainable energy and water. In Flanders, 293 local authorities have signed on to the pact, signalling political support and leadership for adaptation in this Belgian region.
Resources
Guidebook on sustainable energy and climate action plans (EC JRC)(2018)
Offers support for developing sustainable energy and climate action plans, from making the initial commitment through to implementation and monitoring.
Climate-ADAPT Country Profiles
Shows the status of national adaptation actions, reported per country.
European Climate Pact
The European Climate Pact, part of the European Green Deal, brings together communities and organizations to demonstrate commitment in combating climate. The website offers accessible tools and resources for all to contribute to a sustainable future.
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This translation is generated by eTranslation, a machine translation tool provided by the European Commission.