Towards improved adaptation action in Europe: policy recommendations from the UNCHAIN project.

Gerger Swartling, Å., André, K., Englund, M., Harris, K., Aall, C., Petutschnig, L., Rome, E., Gobert, J., Reuschel, S., Jordà , G., Lückerath, D., Milde, K., Kienberger, S., Dale, B., Cauchy, A., Rudolf, F., Attoh, E. M. N. A. N., Benzie, M., Lager, F. & Barquet, K. (2023): Towards improved adaptation action in Europe: policy recommendations from the UNCHAIN project. SEI Brief, Stockholm Environment Institute. DOI: 10.51414/sei2023.035

Abstract

Key Messages

• Policymakers can make adaptation “smarter” by using the Impact Chain approach to analyse both conventional local climate risks and lesser well-known transboundary climate risks.

• Policymakers should embrace uncertainties by applying a reflect-then-act rather than the predict-then-act approach; by including socio-economic scenarios for a range of possible developments, from likely to unanticipated; and by ensuring transparency in communications.

• International actors can invest in method innovation, data collection and decisionsupport tools to identify and assess transboundary climate risks. They should also foster greater cooperation in adaptation planning and implementation across jurisdictions.

• Policymakers and relevant stakeholders should engage throughout the climate risk assessment process, to co-develop climate information and solutions that capture their needs, knowledge and perspectives and that account for social vulnerability and equitable adaptation.