On 23.11.2023, the fifth ACRP Dialog on the topic of "The Big Levers of Climate Change Adaptation" took place in Vienna.
Nearly 30 representatives from research and public administration met at the premises of the Climate and Energy Fund to discuss the big levers of climate change adaptation together and find new solutions.
After a welcome by Gernot Wörther (Climate and Energy Fund), Barbara Kronberger-Kießwetter (BMK) and Simon Tschannett (CCCA Board, Weatherpark), the dialogue kicked off with two short keynote presentations. Sebastian Seebauer (Joanneum Research) introduced participants to the topic of path dependency, with his talk entitled Recognising and Managing Path Dependencies. This was followed by a presentation from Daniela Fusch-Hanusch (TU Graz) on Participatory Processes in Climate Change Adaptation.
All participants were able to actively shape the rest of the event, as they were involved in selecting the key topics. Before the break, all participants were asked to write down the three sectors or areas in which they felt the greatest levers for climate change adaptation lie. Based on this feedback, each of the five tables was then assigned an overarching theme for discussion. Participants also had the chance to chat informally over drinks and nibbles.
After a short refreshment break, participants engaged in dialogue in five different small groups, discussing along guided questions.
To wrap up the event, all five groups had the chance to briefly present their key findings in plenary. Some of the main insights from the dialogue were:
Adequate Resources
Sufficient financial resources and qualified personnel are essential for successful climate change adaptation measures. Ideally, funding is available in the long term and deployed flexibly. Financial resources can come from both public and private sources. The costs of inaction (see COIN) should be made more visible in order to communicate the financial benefits of climate change adaptation. In addition, further incentives for implementing climate change adaptation measures should be created, e.g. through subsidies. Resources for communication and awareness-raising should be factored in from the outset.
Legal Anchoring & Clarification of Responsibilities
Who sets climate change adaptation measures, when, and how, should be clearly regulated, e.g. in a national climate change adaptation act. This could also enshrine the National Adaptation Strategy and a mandatory climate change adaptation requirement. Collaboration between different levels (municipalities, federal states, national government, EU) is desirable. At EU level, there are already many requirements in place. These need to be better communicated and implemented.
Communication
Without appropriate communication, the urgency of the issue cannot be conveyed. The foundation for this is building a solid knowledge base and fostering public understanding. The focus should above all be on positive narratives. Communication campaigns should always be tailored to specific target groups and designed to be inclusive.