If climate change is to be tackled and damage resulting from climatic shifts is to be kept as low as possible, adaptation to climate change and its effects is every bit as inevitable as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Adaptation measures – in areas such as healthcare and flood prevention - can significantly reduce impeding damage-related costs. Although a number of publications exist in the form of scientific articles, practical handbooks and guides, so far only solitary approaches have been undertaken for the systematisation and evaluation of good practice regarding climate adaptation measures. Therefore, the goal of this report is to determine criteria for judging good practice in implementing climate change adaptation. Therefore, the report can offer guidance for private and public actors in adapting to climate change.
The derivation of possible criteria for good practice presented in this report is performed by means of analysis of national, European and international publications and internet sites. On the basis of this research and analysis, as well as a survey of expert opinions, a consistent and compact set of six criteria for good practice was formed: effectiveness, robustness, sustainability, financial feasibility, positive side effects and flexibility. The question still remains of how the set of criteria should be deployed; for example, if a measure should fulfil all criteria in order to count as good practice or, alternatively, whether it would suffice to fulfil a minimum number of criteria. One challenge in the deployment of the criteria will also be the development of a practical and transparent methodology with which a fulfilment of the criteria can be reviewed.
For an English summary, please see pages 11-12.
