1. Assessing adaptation: A framework for comparing adaptation activities
Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM)
Assessing adaptation: A framework for comparing adaptation activities
Eric Massey – IVM
Prepared for the EIONET Workshop at EEA Copenhagen, November 28, 2007

2. Organizing Adaptation: The Challenge
How can adaptation measures be organized?
Not many actual adaptation policy measures in place, yet countries mention adaptation practices in national communications and reports
Limited systematic cataloging or organization of measures done
Definitions are still being debated

3. Organizing Adaptation: The Solution
Identify level of country’s efforts
(Adaptation Level)
Adaptation policy concern = an area of adaptation concern has been identified e.g.
“In the next ten years we foresee an increase in the incidence of heat waves, action must be taken."
Adaptation policy recommendation = specific step or steps should be taken e.g.
“It is recommended that in the next five years we allocate €20M to the development of a heat wave early warning system”.
Adaptation policy measure = something in place e.g.
“In 2005 an early warning system for heat waves was put in place”

4. Organizing Adaptation: The Solution contd.
2. Identify adaptation objective: What is the measure trying accomplish?
Building adaptation capacity
Minimization of risk & sensitivity to climate change
Increased capacity to cope w/ extreme & damaging events
Ability to exploit or capitalize on changes in environmental conditions

5. Organizing Adaptation: The Solution contd.
3. Identify adaptation aim: What problem does the measure address? Which vulnerable sector?
Coastal zone management
Landscape management (soil erosion, floods, fires)
Water management (quantity & quality)
Extreme temperatures (heat waves, freezes)
Energy (security of supply)
Biodiversity management
Financial management (insurance & financial markets)
Health & disease management
Agriculture & food security
Development co-operation

6. Sample Countries (more to be added)
Western Europe
Northern Europe
Southern Europe
Central Europe
Greece
Czech Rep. UK
Denmark
Portugal
Poland
Germany
Finland
Italy
Hungary
Netherlands

7. Adaptation Level

8. Adaptation Objective

9. Adaptation Aims

10. Preliminary Conclusions/Questions
The level of adaptation, in terms of implemented measures varies greatly among regions but is in general low. How can it be expanded?
The objective of adaptation is greatly focussed on risk reduction: While there is no formula of how the objectives should be spread, is it the “right” distribution?
There is little parity in the aims between regions. Since adaptation is “local” not surprising. But what can one region (or country) learn by looking at the aims of others?

11. Thank You
Spasibo
Gracias
Dank U
Grazie
Merci
Danke
Tack