Only sustainable climate adaptation successful in the long term – report

Case studies on climate adaptation from around the world do not yet demonstrate truly sustainable strategies, yet sustainable climate adaptation is key for measures to be successful in the long term, a report by the "Climate, Climatic Change and Society" (CLICCS) excellence cluster at the University of Hamburg found. A total of 73 authors analysed nine climate adaptation examples from around the world – including in Nepal, Germany, Maldives and Namibia – in the "Hamburg Climate Futures Outlook 2024". They found that "Enormous collective efforts are required to adapt to climate change in a sustainable way, but have hardly been undertaken to date."

The authors concluded that, as people are forced to adapt to changing environmental conditions, it is how they do it that is crucial. "Where adaptation is not thought through, side effects can undo the successes," report author Beate Ratter said. For instance, poorly chosen coastal protection measures might help combat flooding but can, in the long run, lead to the loss of stabilising sediments or harm sheltering coral reefs. "Adaptation to climate change is needed, but not all adaptation measures are sustainable; some even worsen conditions, especially in the long run," the authors wrote.

Climate-friendly regulations and adaptation plans are insufficient "unless the people who have to implement adaptation are involved, unless the measures are actively put into practice, and unless the plans are connected to clear indicators and measurable goals based on both scientific assessments and climate justice principles," CLICCS concluded.

Like other world regions, Europe must make up for lost time, and act now to adapt to rising temperatures. While the EU is considered an adaptation pioneer, the challenges are huge, the targets keep moving, and many plans remain non-binding “soft” policies.