Adapting to climate change has reached the political agenda in most European countries, according to the most comprehensive analysis of adaptation in Europe published to date. Extreme weather events and EU policies were the most common reasons for beginning to address adaptation.

The survey brings together detailed responses from 30 European countries, which are analysed in ‘National adaptation policy processes in European countries – 2014‘, a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA). Climate change adaptation is an issue on the political agenda in more than three quarters of countries, according to the survey. Almost all countries stated that extreme weather events have triggered adaptation responses. The second most cited reason for developing national adaptation followed by damage costs and scientific research. Most countries identified barriers to taking action – more than three quarters of countries cited a lack of resources such as time, money or technologies as a barrier. ‘Uncertainties about the extent of future climate change’ and ‘unclear responsibilities’ were both seen as barriers by a large number of countries policies was European Union policies integrating climate change adaptation.  Click here for more information