National Adaptation Strategy - Austria

In Austria, the National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) was adopted by the Federal Government in October 2012. The fundamental objective of the Austrian NAS is  "to avoid the adverse effects of climate change on the environment, society, and the economy and to fully utilise any opportunities that may arise" (p.15). The strategy gives an overview of the status quo of the climate change adaptation in the country. Among others it provides information about climate change in Austria, it presents the challenges to adaptation, it gives examples of good practice and it describes the research needs. Also, the strategy provides recommendations for action in fourteen sectors: agriculture; forestry; water resources and water management; tourism; energy; construction and housing; protection from natural hazards; disaster risk management; health; ecosystems/biodiversity; transportation infrastructure; spatial planning; business/industry; cities. The current strategy is considered as a 'living document' which is going to evolve as new knowledge becomes available. An first updated version of the Austrian adaptation strategy is envisaged for the end of 2015.