Let’s get our heads out of the sand – it’s time we got serious about preparing for the climate crisis

Climate change has been on scientists' radar for quite some time, and for decades, the EU and the world have been stepping up its response. For our part in the EU, we’ve already reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 37% since 1990 and we are committed to reaching climate neutrality by 2050 through binding legislation. Sounds like we’re well on track for a greener future, right? Not so fast.

Even as we accelerate climate action, the harsh truth is that global warming and its impacts will keep getting more drastic for years to come, even if we hit net zero tomorrow. That’s why we can’t just focus on cutting emissions. We also need to step up our resilience to climate impacts, prepare for what’s ahead, and reduce the risks we’re already facing.

The EU is tackling this head-on as part of its preparedness agenda, working to protect people and prosperity from increasingly extreme weather events. An important key element of this effort is the Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, which is helping regions across Europe adapt to a changing climate.

Since its launch three years ago, the Mission has made real progress working to build capacities at local and regional levels. It has provided a space to test new ideas, pilot policies, and put adaptation and resilience in the focus. More than 300 regions are now involved, building pathways to safer, more resilient futures. It’s all about enhancing the EU’s readiness to deal with consequences of climate change - be ready for whatever comes next.

Members of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, reflecting the challenges and successes of building resilience in their regions and countries.

The introduction of a future European Climate Adaptation Plan by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen marks an exciting opportunity to build on the Mission's achievements.  As the EU refines its broader climate adaptation policy, the Mission will remain a catalyst for local and regional action for climate resilience ensuring adaptation is not only a priority but a tangible reality. The key lies in aligning policy with action, enabling effective implementation of strategies across all EU countries, cities, regions, and local authorities.

Elina Bardram
Mission Manager

Quotes from Members of the Board Mission Adaption to Climate Change

Say “Valencia” and all Europeans now realise what kind of challenges we have to prepare for. It goes without saying that in order to accelerate the adaptation to climate change as fast as needed and as fast as European citizens would expect, we need to work together much more efficiently. That is what the Mission on Adaptation is all about. How to shortcut as fast as possible to the best practices and how to fill out knowledge gaps both when it comes to technical solutions, to the best and most innovative finance solutions and to the behavioural aspects. In short how to enable regions and communities to deliver in the best and most cost-efficient way on EU’s adaptation strategies. This is at the core of the Mission’s endeavour.

- Connie Hedegaard, Chair of the Mission Board and former European Commissioner for Climate Action

The Southeast Mediterranean is a climate change hotspot, experiencing the most extreme weather and climatic phenomena. While much work remains, the Mission continues to enhance its information campaign, engaging local communities and stakeholders month by month.

- Georgios Boustras, Professor of Risk Assessment

The EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change aims to support authorities in their efforts to build their resilience against the impacts of climate change. In this perspective, the support that the Mission is providing to local communities is invaluable. The local (and often small) communities have an extreme need for tools, knowledge, funding and technical expertise to implement their adaptation plans. An example of such a community is the Mountain Community of Val Chiavenna with consists of the union of 12 mountain municipalities. This community plays a crucial role in preserving alpine biodiversity and in the management of water resources. So far, Mountain community of Val Chiavenna has been very active in Mission events and has been able to for tailored technical assistance through the MIP4ADAPT Platform. Thus, one of the Mission’s key goals has already been achieved: meet the needs of local small communities. Because no one is left behind.

- Antonella Morgillo, Senior Meteorologist and expert in Early Warning at the Italian Civil Protection Department

The Mission, initiated as part of the EU-wide Research and Development Programme, has established itself shortly after its launch as a pioneering public policy, setting a high standard for climate resilience and adaptation policy. On the Mission Portal, any city or region interested in increasing its resilience to climate change can find case studies and solutions from other European regions, DIY manuals and templates for citizens' involvement in this issue, or a step-by-step guide to assess their climate risks.

- Corina Murafa, a university lecturer, activist and independent consultant in climate, energy and sustainability

Europe is the world’s fastest warming continent, with localized heatwaves taking a high tole in lives and livelihoods. Heat feeds droughts and wildfires, cloudbursts, and flash floods, and European regions and cities are still unprepared and unsuccessful in streamlining multi-level governance solutions.  EU Mission Adaptation is showing the way, providing knowledge and methods for 300 regional and local authorities to build resilience, with risk assessments, early warning systems, resilience infrastructure and nature-based solutions, while also connecting their efforts to national ministries and EU governance and funding.

- Eleni Myrivili, Global Heat Officer UN-Habitat and the Atlantic Council, Senior Advisor Global Covenant of Mayors 

In the Netherlands, we hold roundtables to share experiences and collaboratively seek solutions. Increasingly, we are also working closely with our German neighbours' regions on various projects, recognizing that water and climate change respect no borders. The EU Mission is taking this approach to the next level by bringing together people from different countries to share their experiences and collaborate on finding solutions. This is helping to create a strong network of cooperation across the EU.

- Hein Pieper, Chairman of the Board at Waterschap Rijn en IJssel

My background lies in exploring solutions for sustainable finance in the realm of mitigation. I’ve personally developed approaches based on blended finance, targeting both development and climate objectives. The global community, including the EU, has made notable progress in establishing carbon credit systems, driven by the right incentives, bold policy choices, and the dynamic interplay between finance and policy: it is now time for the EU to lead again on innovative climate adaptation financing mechanisms. We are ready for the challenge.

- Roberto Ridolfi, President LINK 2007

As a member of the Mission Board on Adaptation to Climate Change, I worked hard to foster connections and synergies across various climate initiatives. My role as an ambassador for the European Climate Pact has been particularly rewarding, allowing me to build bridges between different actions and activities and create impactful collaboration opportunities with ambassadors working at the local level. I always emphasized the importance of integrating multilevel governance within the Adaptation Mission’s framework, especially focusing on efforts in Spain. I had the privilege of coordinating key meetings in regions like Valencia, Murcia, and Andalusia, where we established strategic partnerships to strengthen local climate action.

- Jose Segarra Murria, Director of lowcarboneconomy and Climate Pact Ambassador

Faced with the growing awareness of civil society, local administrations and local executives of the urgency of co-constructing and deploying innovative technical and governance solutions for adaptation to climate change, the European Commission's Adaptation Mission is positioning itself as the key player in support and financing on the continent. For example, the EU Mission Adaptation enables, through the services of its MIP4Adapt platform, 1) to develop adaptation measures and action plans, 2) to identify appropriate demonstration projects for access to the most adequate funds and financing and 3) to support the mobilization of citizens and stakeholders towards climate resilience. 

- Karim Selouane, Head of Adaptation Programme – AdaptAction at Agence Française de Developpement, Co-chair of Adaptation Hub of the Global ABC – UNEP and Board member of the AFPCNT (Association Française pour la Prévention des Catastrophes Naturelles et Technologiques)

Empowering municipalities and regions to lead climate adaptation efforts and collaborate effectively with academia to develop innovative, tailored solutions is a critical challenge. Establishing governance systems at the Member State level to provide robust support for local governments is essential. The EU Climate Adaptation Mission’s support for creating National Hubs and funding relevant research is highly valued. The Mission has proven instrumental in raising awareness of climate risks and showcasing adaptation measures, particularly in regions that have signed the Charter. Climate adaptation goals should be fully integrated into EU 2027+ funding programmes, including the ERDF. 

- Siret Talve, Monitoring and Evaluation Expert and Independent Consultant in Environment and Sustainable Product Systems

Climate impacts are unevenly distributed, making tailored local actions vital. The Committee of the Regions’s opinion on EU Climate Policy underscores the crucial role of cities and regions in driving the green transition. With Europe already unprepared and the cost of inaction reaching €1 trillion annually (EEA's EUCRA Report), empowering local authorities to address vulnerabilities is key to protecting all communities. Finland advances climate resilience through a national network and bold initiatives. Key highlights include Vaasa's EU Green Leaf 2026 win, Espoo and Oulu's innovation leadership, and ambitious public-private climate actions in Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, and Lappeenranta via climate city contracts.

- Taina Tukiainen, Research Director at University of Vaasa and Specialist Advisor at the Committee of the Regions

The Mission offers a range of online tools to support organizations in crafting adaptation strategies and systems to address climate change risks. It also highlights examples that demonstrate how coordinated bottom-up and top-down approaches can function effectively in practice. Achieving this requires an integrated approach that connects local, regional, and international efforts, ensuring policies and systems consider the global complexities of international trade and emissions.

-Shane Ward, Professor at University College Dublin, Ireland

When it comes to actions that impact human safety and well-being, citizen engagement and co-ownership of solutions are essential. This is especially true for adapting to climate change, as inadequate responses can significantly affect our lives. The EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change plays a crucial role in fostering innovative approaches to ensure that citizens and stakeholders across the EU are safe and resilient to climate risks and disasters. The EU Sparks for Climate Citizens Hackathon Championship showcased the power of creativity and societal involvement. The three winning teams — ALLIUM, NETTUNIANI, and deICE —not only presented mature, cutting-edge concepts but also displayed remarkable personal commitment and enthusiasm. Their efforts are a source of hope for a more resilient future.

- Barbara Widera, Associate Professor at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland

I have worked tirelessly to bring some of the most vulnerable municipalities in Northwestern Bulgaria into the Climate Adaptation Mission. This was made possible by the MIP4Adapt platform’s unique approach, offering technical assistance and training beyond the well-resourced regions. To highlight this inclusiveness and advance the Mission’s goals, I partnered with Bulgaria’s Ministry of Environment, the Covenant of Mayors, and the National Eco-Trust Fund to host three national conferences alongside the 61^st IPCC Session in Sofia. These events united government, local authorities, and the scientific community to build a multilevel Mission Climate in Bulgaria, focusing on shared governance, integrated financing, and a cohesive transition. The EU Adaptation Mission embodies the cross-sectoral nature of climate adaptation, which not only impacts everyone but also delivers immense returns by strengthening resilience and avoiding risks.

- Svetlana Zhekova, Senior International Consultant on environment and climate policies and former Minister of Environment in Bulgaria