Table of contents

2.1. Key Topic 1: Public and policy awareness of the need for adaptation

KEY MESSAGES

  • Among policy makers and public, there is a growing awareness of the importance of adaptation. 20 out of 30 European countries have indicated that during the past five years the level of public awareness of the need for adaptation has increased. 23 out of 30 reported that adaptation has reached the national political agenda.
  • Adaptation has been prompted by different "triggers", including extreme weather events, estimates of current and future damage costs, EU policies, and pertinent results from scientific research.
  • Countries that are in an advanced stage in the adaptation policy process are typically countries that also have high levels of awareness of the need for adaptation. However, there are other factors in addition to awareness of adaptation that determine a country's stage in the adaptation process.
  • Enhancing awareness of the need for adaptation requires a wide variety of information drawing on the best available scientific evidence. This information should be presented in a way that recognises the diversity of different audiences.

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