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© Michel Gunther / WWF
Climate Adaptation
Europe is the fastest-warming continent in the world and is already experiencing the human and economic costs of increasing natural disasters, such as droughts, floods, storms, and wildfires.
Between 2013 and 2022, land temperatures in Europe rose by 2.04 to 2.10°C compared to pre-industrial levels, while the warming of all European seas has accelerated dramatically since the late 1970s. Temperature records are being broken with increasing frequency, making it essential for Europe to not only fight climate change but also adapt to its impacts.
Unfortunately, the EU is insufficiently prepared to manage these growing challenges. While all EU Member States have national adaptation strategies only eight have integrated key elements into domestic legal frameworks, resulting in very limited progress in adaptive capacity. Even though climate risks are better understood, policies are not implemented at the pace needed to address the rapidly increasing risk levels.
To address the lack of effective policy action in this area, Jessika Roswall, the European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, has announced that the Commission will launch the Water Resilience Strategy and the European Climate Adaptation Plan in June 2025 and early 2026 respectively. These policy initiatives offer a tremendous opportunity to guide the EU in making Europe more resilient and adapting to climate shocks, which affect millions of citizens every year.
WWF is advocating for an adaptation approach that prioritises ecosystem health and nature-based solutions as the foundation for long-term resilience and human well-being.
Protecting and restoring rivers and wetlands enhances flood defense, while coastal and marine ecosystems help mitigate sea level rise. Diverse forests play a crucial role in strengthening resilience to wildfires, and sustainable agriculture practices such as agroecology and agroforestry help maintain healthy land Nature-based solutions are more cost-effective due to their lower implementation and maintenance costs, while also providing greater co-benefits for people and biodiversity.
As the European Commission prepares its upcoming plan, WWF has released its paper, ‘Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Europe: Principles for Action’, highlighting the essential steps needed to build a climate-resilient and thriving Europe.
In the coming months, WWF will closely follow discussions to ensure that the EU Climate Adaptation Plan harnesses nature as our strongest ally against future climate shocks.
Unfortunately, the EU is insufficiently prepared to manage these growing challenges. While all EU Member States have national adaptation strategies only eight have integrated key elements into domestic legal frameworks, resulting in very limited progress in adaptive capacity. Even though climate risks are better understood, policies are not implemented at the pace needed to address the rapidly increasing risk levels.
To address the lack of effective policy action in this area, Jessika Roswall, the European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, has announced that the Commission will launch the Water Resilience Strategy and the European Climate Adaptation Plan in June 2025 and early 2026 respectively. These policy initiatives offer a tremendous opportunity to guide the EU in making Europe more resilient and adapting to climate shocks, which affect millions of citizens every year.
What is WWF doing?
WWF is advocating for an adaptation approach that prioritises ecosystem health and nature-based solutions as the foundation for long-term resilience and human well-being.
Protecting and restoring rivers and wetlands enhances flood defense, while coastal and marine ecosystems help mitigate sea level rise. Diverse forests play a crucial role in strengthening resilience to wildfires, and sustainable agriculture practices such as agroecology and agroforestry help maintain healthy land Nature-based solutions are more cost-effective due to their lower implementation and maintenance costs, while also providing greater co-benefits for people and biodiversity.
As the European Commission prepares its upcoming plan, WWF has released its paper, ‘Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Europe: Principles for Action’, highlighting the essential steps needed to build a climate-resilient and thriving Europe.
In the coming months, WWF will closely follow discussions to ensure that the EU Climate Adaptation Plan harnesses nature as our strongest ally against future climate shocks.
“Recent floods in Spain and Belgium, along with wildfires in Greece, have shown just how unprepared we are for climate shocks. The conversation is no longer just about fighting climate change - it’s also about adapting to rising temperatures and more extreme weather events. We cannot remain in denial; we must take action and embrace nature-based solutions to secure a thriving future for Europe.”
Codruta Savu
Water and Climate Adaptation Policy Officer
Contacts