The European Climate Adaptation Platform (CLIMATE-ADAPT) – an online tool supporting the development of adaptation measures at the EU, national, regional and local levels – was the focus of a side event at the Bonn Climate Change Conference.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development – Reporting Services Division is providing online coverage of the international conference (14 – 25 May 2012) with special attention to selected side events and paid attention to the live demonstration of CLIMATE-ADAPT, with the participation of Sergio Castellari who is contributing as CMCC scientific leader to the European Topic Centre on Climate Change impacts, vulnerability and adaptation.

This is how the event is reported in ENB on the side  – A Special Report on Selected Side Events at the Bonn Climate Change Conference – May 2012

Cornelia Jäger, European Commission, introduced the EU Climate Adaptation Platform, which fulfills the recommendations of the 2009 White Paper on Adaptation regarding filling knowledge gaps and improving information dissemination. She stated there are four objectives: building a solid knowledge base; mainstreaming adaptation into EU policies; employing a combination of policy instruments; and increasing international development.

Matteo Rini, European Commission, explained that the target audience is policymakers, not the general public or scientific community. He walked the audience through the Platform, including four tools on: adaptation support; case studies; country specific policy; and content sharing. He explained that the adaptation support tool provides guidance through a policy cycle, from identifying adaptation risks and vulnerabilities to monitoring and evaluation. Rini demonstrated an interactive map to help users identify climate change risks in their region. He displayed how the case study search identifies case studies regarding similar adaptation concerns and regions expected to experience similar effects of climate change. In addition to the tools, Rini illustrated the Platform’s ability to provide sector-specific information and a searchable database of resources.

Sergio Castellari, European Environment Agency (EEA), explained the Platform’s uncertainty guidance, including how to define, identify, and include uncertainty in adaptation policy. Castellari directed attention to the EEA Topic Centre for climate change, vulnerability and adaptation, which is supported by a group of 30 experts who will help assure the quality of the data users share on CLIMATE-ADAPT. He underscored the value of the Platform for cities to learn from the experience of others who have developed and implemented adaptation policies.

In the following discussion, participants expressed enthusiasm for CLIMATE-ADAPT and its links to extensive sources of existing information. Participants provided the panel members with ideas to disseminate the website and encourage users to contribute information.

 

The full version of the Coverage of Selected Side Events at the Bonn Climate Change Conference – May 2012 is available here.