Adaptation to Climate Change

Vulnerability

Vulnerability (IPCC, 2007) is the degree to which a system is susceptible to, and unable to cope with, adverse effects of climate change, including climate variability and extremes. Vulnerability is a function of the character, magnitude and rate of climate change and the variation to which a system is exposed, its sensitivity and its adaptive capacity.

Adaptation

On the contrary, adaptation (IPCC, 2007) is the ability of such a system to absorb disturbances while maintaining the same basic structure and modes of operation. Adaptation is the extensive action and practical measures to adapt the system to these changes. Adaptation may include both national and regional strategies, as well as practical measures at Community level or by individuals. Adaptation concerns both natural and man-made systems. Buildings and infrastructure must be able to deal with floods or heatwaves. Coastal or estuary rivers must be ready to deal with higher water levels. Agriculture needs to adapt to different weather conditions, especially in southern countries where farmers will have to face the longest droughts.

Adaptation is:

· predicting and analysing the impacts of climate change,

· analysing the heterogeneous vulnerability of different sectors, regions or social groups to these impacts

· assessing social, economic and environmental risks - and costs

· finding the best responses, actions or adaptation measures

· and putting them in action.

Adaptation Measures

Taking adaptation measures primarily involves assessing the impact of climate change on various sectors of economic, social and environmental activity as well as determining the economic magnitude of these impacts. As the impacts vary across regions, actions to deal with them should be appropriate to the real situation in each region.

Adaptation measures are much broader than mitigation measures. They take into account the need for adaptation that is necessary for all natural processes and human activities based on current weather conditions. This has huge implications in many areas including human health, agriculture, fisheries, coasts, infrastructure, energy, tourism, forestry, biodiversity and ecosystems.

Adaptation measures may include:

· the development of drought tolerant crops,

· choosing forest types and forest practices less vulnerable to storms and fires,

· elaboration of spatial plans and creating corridors to facilitate the migration of species

· the adjustment of existing construction standards for buildings, so as to be resistant to future climate conditions and in extreme weather conditions,

· construction of flood walls and elevation of the embankments to protect against rising sea levels,

· more efficient use of scarce water resources,

· diversification of tourism.

The most vulnerable areas in Europe (EEA 2008) are southern Europe, the Mediterranean basin, the most remote regions and the Arctic region. Furthermore, mountain areas, in particular the Alps, islands, coastal and urban areas and densely populated floodplains are facing particular problems.