LIFE-IP Climate Adaptation: Acceleration of climate adaptation in the Netherlands and Europe

Abstract

<p>The programme LIFE-IP Climate Adaptation focuses on accelerating the adaptation to climate change in the Netherlands, as described in the National Climate Adaptation Strategy and the Delta Plan on Spatial Adaptation. The Netherlands has set up this programme to remove identified obstacles to the implementation of climate adaptation.</p> <p>Four groups of solutions to these barriers have been identified:</p> <ul> <li>The development of accessible and understandable knowledge products and tools about the effects of climate change, and the effects and effectiveness of adaptation measures.</li> <li>Stimulating awareness and a sense of urgency, so that people and organisations take action.</li> <li>Stimulating an integrated approach with other policy priorities – such as housing, the energy transition and health promotion – and developing decision-making structures that support this approach.</li> <li>Developing business models and forms of financing for adaptation measures, for joint business cases with public and private financial resources.</li> </ul> <p>In 18 concrete projects spread across the country, a diversity of climate adaptation measures and approaches will be implemented, aiming at adaptation to heat, flooding and drought. Measures include ecosystem restoration, water resilience measures, nature based solutions, sustainable agricultural practices, urban green spaces and health promoting environments. With these projects, practical solutions to lift the barriers will be demonstrated by national, regional and local governments, health services and the Dutch agricultural and horticultural organisation, showcasing adaptation approaches for a climate resilient societal development.</p> <p>With so-called acceleration actions these projects will be monitored and evaluated. This requires further identification and development of metrics and indicators for measuring the resilience and the effectiveness of the adaptation strategies and measures applied. Finally, successes and lessons learned will be widely disseminated in the Netherlands and the rest of the European Union, to motivate and inspire others to act as well, thus contributing to a more climate-proof Europe. Through replication of effective strategies in which research, policy, and investment are intertwined, a more climate-proof Europe will evolve.</p> <p>22 Dutch partners have received a subsidy of almost 10 million euros from the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action (LIFE). Additionally, partners contribute over 7 million euros. The programme is coordinated by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and RIVM and will run for six years, from 2022 to 2027.</p> <p>In this session, we would like to discuss effectiveness of policy responses, how to monitor and evaluate practical solutions and learn from them, how wider societal action on climate adaptation can be achieved, and to identify next steps to be taken towards further acceleration of climate change adaptation.</p>