The EU’s Adaptation Efforts for a Changing Climate
Climate change is a reality. To protect communities, ecosystems, and economies, we must embrace large-scale adaptation.
The effects of climate change vary across regions, impacting economies, ecosystems, and communities in different ways. Despite ongoing efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, the consequences of climate change, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss – are inevitable. Without proper adaptation strategies, these challenges will continue to escalate, putting lives, infrastructure, and economic stability at risk.
Adapting to climate change means strengthening our ability to cope with current and future risks. It means safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Europeans while building a foundation for sustainable innovation and economic resilience.
What’s at stake?
Climate change affects every region differently, but the risks are shared across borders. Without coordinated action, the damage will grow. Some of the biggest challenges include:
Extreme weather: Floods, droughts, wildfires, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe, threatening homes, infrastructure, and public health.
Rising sea levels: Coastal areas face erosion, saltwater intrusion, and greater storm surge risks, putting millions of Europeans to water scarcity and flooding.
Biodiversity loss: Changing climate conditions are disrupting ecosystems, leading to the decline of species and the degradation of natural habitats.
Economic vulnerability: Sectors like agriculture, energy, transport, and tourism are increasingly exposed to climate related disruptions.
Social inequality: Vulnerable communities are often hit the hardest, lacking the resources needed to adapt effectively.
These impacts compound over time, creating a cascade of risks that affect our economy, security and way of life.
From policy to practice: The EU’s Mission to build climate resilience
To address these challenges, the EU has launched the Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, turning policy into tangible action. The mission aims to support climate resilient regions through research, innovation, and on-the-ground initiatives.
Its key objectives include:
- Enhancing understanding of climate risks across European regions
- Supporting regions in developing tailored adaptation pathways
- Testing and deploying innovative solutions to strengthen climate resilience
In March 2024, the European Commission released a Communication on Managing Climate Risks, reinforcing the urgency of adaptation efforts, drawing on findings from the European Climate Risk Assessment.
How will this be implemented?
The Mission is designed to be an inclusive initiative, engaging a wide range of stakeholders:
- Regional and local authorities are invited to sign the Mission Charter, committing to mobilising resources and taking action
- Research institutions and businesses can endorse the Charter and collaborate as “Friends of the Mission”
- Funding and support mechanisms will be available through Horizon Europe and other EU programs to aid implementation
As of early 2025, 308 regions and communities from 25 Member States, along with 17 organisations from associated countries, have already joined the mission.
Through knowledge-sharing, cross-sector collaboration, and community empowerment, the EU’s Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change is paving the way for a climate resilient future where environmental, economic, and social sustainability carry the utmost importance.