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EU unveils data-driven climate adaptation strategy, drawing green criticism

(EurActiv, 25 Feb 2021) More and better data is needed to improve knowledge of how to adapt to climate change, according to the European Commission’s new adaptation strategy, which immediately came under fire from green activists for missing binding targets.

“We need more data collection and data sharing with more precise modelling of future hazards,” said EU Green Deal chief Frans Timmermans as he presented the strategy on Wednesday (24 February).

Climate adaptation is about preparing for the inevitable impacts of climate change – more frequent storms, floods, droughts, fires and heatwaves – which will continue even if world nations cut their emissions.

“If we step up work on adaptation today, we can make sure the EU and the planet, are much better prepared for the unavoidable changes we will face tomorrow. We need to do it immediately,” said Timmermans, adding that the EU has to “avoid the worst and prepare for the unavoidable”.

“The Atlantic Coast is eroding, our outermost regions are ravaged by hurricanes, there are forest fires in the Arctic Circle, and crippling droughts in large parts of Central and Southern Europe. The more the climate crisis progresses, the bigger the battle for water will become,” he said.

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EurActiv, 25 Feb 2021: EU unveils data-driven climate adaptation strategy, drawing green criticism