Brussels, 29/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - Global warming, which has already started, will not spare Europe. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) showed as much in Brussels in April with the publication of their assessment report on the impact of climate change, and our adaptation and vulnerability to it (see EUROPE 9403).
In addition to the need for drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the EU has no choice other than to adapt to this global phenomenon to try to lessen its adverse effect on people, the economy and the environment. Such is the conviction of the European Commission, and the key message of the Green Paper which it published on 29 June to launch a wide-ranging public debate on options for EU action to help the process of adaptation to climate change. The consultation process will begin with a conference of all stakeholders organised by the European Commission in the Charlemagne Building, Brussels, on 3 July, and will run until the end of November.
The document “Adapting to Climate Change in Europe: launching a public debate on options for EU action” provides options for reflection to respond to the changing climate, and sets out four lines of priority action: - early action to develop strategies for adaptation in areas where current knowledge is sufficient; - integrating global adaptation needs into the EU's external relations and building a new alliance with partners around the world; - filling knowledge gaps on adaptation through EU-level research and exchange of information; - setting up a European advisory group on adaptation to climate change to analyse coordinated strategies and actions.
The Green Paper can be consulted online at the following address: http: //ec.europa.eu/environment/climate/eccp_impacts.htm Contributions from the European institutions and all those responding to this initiative will assist the Commission in drawing up a communication, which it intends to present at the end of 2008.
Presenting the Green Paper to the press, Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas spoke of the devastating floods the UK is currently suffering, which have led to the “largest rescue operations ever carried out in peace time”, the terrible heat wave, “the most serious ever experienced by Greece” which, to a lesser extent, is also affecting France, Italy, Cyprus and Malta. “We are experiencing extreme climatic conditions which could increase. Climate change is here. Some people have no alternative but to adapt or perish. We have to prepare and adapt to limit the impact in terms of human suffering, the economy, and damage to nature. The Green Paper aims to raise awareness among the people of Europe and initiate a broad public debate on the adaptation priorities. Adaptation does mean we do not have to combat climate change. The battle must be fought on two fronts. If the EU and member states do not plan a coherent strategic response in advance, it is possible we will have to take sudden adaptation measures to respond to the increasing numbers of crises ands catastrophes, and this would be very expensive”.
Noting that the temperature in Europe had already risen by 1º over the course of last century, faster than the world average, and with effects that can be easily measured, the Commissioner quoted the examples of the melting of glaciers, which could sound the death knell for low altitude ski resorts, the drying up of southern Europe which could compromise summer tourism, the devastating consequences of continued climate change will have for all sectors of society and the economy: agriculture, forestry, water management, protection of biodiversity, fishing, tourism and health. The Green Paper proposes introducing adaptation targets in all sectors, and also in Community spending programmes (regional development, agriculture, fisheries, development, social affairs, research, and rural development).
Among possible adaptation measures, Mr Dimas mentioned better use of shrinking water resources, appropriate assistance for vulnerable persons, particularly the frail and elderly during heat waves, preparation for the arrival of tropical diseases in Europe, strengthening of dykes to counter flooding, setting up corridors for plants and migrating animals. These measures will be largely the responsibility of local and regional public authorities, but the EU will have a role to play in supporting adaptation efforts by amending policies appropriately, closing gaps in knowledge and in coordinating strategies. (an)