BASE

Bottom up Adaptation Strategies for a Sustainable Europe

Publications

Publications

This BASE Adaptation Inspiration Book: 23 European Cases of Climate Change Adaptation is the result of four years extensive case study research carried out within the EU FP-7 Project BASE: Bottom-up climate adaptation strategies towards a sustainable Europe (2012-2016).

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This page features a full list of BASE project results, including reports, publications, events, videos and much more.

Here is a selection of BASE reports produced within the project.

Each report belongs to a specific project module (or Work Package):

This BASE project outcome reviews the policy integration and knowledge use in the EU adaptation strategy at the EU level. An understanding of policy integration and knowledge use in the EU adaptation strategy is essential when one considers its implementation.

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This report produces a comparative analysis of national adaptation strategies in a selected sample of EU Member States. It is split into 3 analytical parts. Part 1 explores the architecture of adaptation policy in different EU Member States through the lens of policy coordination, including knowledge sharing, and explores the tension between top-down and bottom-up approaches.

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The aim of this report is to develop the BASE Evaluation Criteria for Climate Adaptation (BECCA). It is a framework and criteria set that can be used to evaluate the implementation of adaptation policies and measures. It is based on existing frameworks and criteria sets for evaluating climate adaptation conducted at international and EU, Member States, sub-national and local level.

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Thia BASE project outcome reports the advancements of the work accomplished by Work Package 3 under Sub-Tasks 3.1.1 and 3.1.2.

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This report describes the experimental setup for the sectoral modelling developed in BASE. The models link to the case studies in two ways. Firstly, they use the data in the case studies for model validation and secondly they provide information to inform stakeholders about adaptation strategies.

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This objective of this report is to improve selected tools and methodologies for integrated assessment of climate change adaptation costs and benefits. 

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This report is divided into two parts: Firstly, this report proposes a specific method to incorporate different levels of uncertainty related to climate change sciences in the WITCH integrated assessment model. Secondly, this report develops and tests a method to investigate spatial differences in climate change impacts on agriculture in terms of land use changes.  The deliverable describes the methodology followed to develop an integrated modelling framework (SARA) that will allow for an integrated analysis of adaptation pathways within the BASE project.

 

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This report outlines the shared starting points, research practices and questions to be answered in case studies to ensure comparability of results and their ability to feed into WP6 & WP7. Chapter 2 assesses the state of the art in research and practice of adaptation in seven sectors to fine-tune case studies.

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This report takes stock of adaptation planning and measures to date in Europe and globally. The report provides a general assessment of 136 selected case studies focusing on aspects including types of measure, stakeholder groups involved, sectors, decision support tools (participatory and economic), and funding sources. A further nine case studies are then explored in more detail in regard to measure selection and methods.

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This report, structured in three chapters, provides an in-depth review of BASE case studies, including baseline climate change, impact and adaptation scenarios.
 
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This report provides guidance and examples for the economic evaluation of adaptation options. It introduces a stepwise approach and tools which are applied in twenty BASE case studies.

 

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This report investigates the participation process in climate change adaptation for 22 European BASE case studies. A description of participatory methods and a further analysis of 9 BASE case studies where there has been a deliberative adaptation process present are given. Based on the results presented, a set of recommendations to policy-makers and practitioners are given. 

 

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This deliverable assesses the implementation of adaptation measures and strategies through the study of their key barriers and drivers. The study categorises drivers and barriers to adaptation for each case study across temporal stages of adaptation progress, and looks at how barriers have been overcome and for patterns to provide recommendations.

 

Fotolia © Andreas G.

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This document aims to offer a synthesis and discussion of the methodological process and results of implementing climate change adaptation case study research, reporting on the key messages and lessons learnt through a critical comparison of case studies that equally accounts for the stakeholders’ perspectives.

 

Fotolia © Ellagreen

 

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This document provides a framework and consecutive protocol for consolidating data from the case studies in a format that delivers compatibility and quality to meet the requirements for up-scaling and modelling costs and benefits at

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This report describes the procedure of how to upscale results from case study level to more generalized conclusions on costs and benefits at EU level. The report focuses on water availability, agriculture, floods, ecosystem services, health and cities. 

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This deliverable reports the advancements of the work accomplished by WP6 under Task 6.3: Adaptation pathways and full economic costs and benefits.

 

Fotolia © Romolo Tavani

 

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This deliverable show how findings from modeling, case studies and the RCP-SSP story line framework can be brought together to inform adaptation policies across Europe using a step by step process tool.

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This deliverable investigates and provides a comprehensive mapping of the processes and interactions linking climate change adaptation strategies to key-sectoral policies across Europe.

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This report evaluates the integration of climate adaptation into the sectoral policy making of the European Commission, particularly following the publication of the European Union Adaptation Strategy. It focuses on integration in key sectors: coasts and marine, agriculture and biodiversity, health and water, with an emphasis on barriers and enablers of integration.

This report outlines 21 policy-relevant recommendations – and supporting evidence – for policy-makers working at the EU, national and local levels to support adaptation decision-making. The recommendations are based on the combined findings of the BASE project and are differentiated between different policy levels, yet generic enough to be applied to different decision-making contexts.

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This document sets out a strategy for the communication and dissemination of information stemming from the BASE (Bottom-up Climate Adaptation Strategies for a Sustainable Europe) project’s research and activities. It outlines a plan to connect the relevant target audiences with BASE research by means of appropriate communication tools.

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Decision makers at all levels in Europe currently face a number of significant challenges when devising appropriate and sustainable adaptation strategies. This policy brief overviews the key challenges facing decision makers as they plan climate adaptation strategies in Europe.

There is broad consensus that National Adaptation Strategies (NAS's) are a useful tool for countries to assess vulnerabilities, mainstream climate change risks, and address adaptation. In line with this, many EU Member States are currently in different stages of designing, implementing and reviewing their own NAS’s, a practice actively encouraged by the

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Climate change threatens the countries, regions and economic sectors of Europe in different ways. Adaptation to climate change is carried out through very different policies and measures. Monitoring and evaluating these initiatives is important for tracking successes and failures in order to foster learning.

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This Policy Brief presents ten recommendations for improving the practical implementation of the three overarching objectives of the EU Adaptation Strategy. These recommendations emerged from general modelling approaches combined with careful analyses of individual case studies across Europe.

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The "Past, Present and Future of Flooding in Leeds" poster aims at increasing awareness on flooding in Leeds . The poster uses historical flooding data, results from a workshop in Leeds on barriers and drivers, as well as artist drawings of future scenarios for Leeds.

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Researchers from the BASE project explore various aspects of climate change in local cases across Europe. Many of the cases are about preparing for extreme events. The Finnish case is from the river Kalajoki. In Germany the Baltic coastal resort of Timmendorfer Strand has been studied and Jenny Tröltzsch of Ecologic Institute underlines the importance of local participation.

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The Netherlands has a new flood risk policy which intends to increase cost-effectiveness. However BASE researcher Roos Den Uyl (University of Exeter) argues that the lack of public and political debate about this new flood risk policy jeopardizes its legitimacy and effectiveness.

What does a world with climate change look like?

What changes will we see?

How will we adapt our lives and behaviour in this new world?

We want to hear your voice… and see your video!

BASE partners FFCUL have produced a video to inform audiences about an  innovative agricultural adaptation measure called 'Keyline'. The video can be viewed here (Please click 'CC' for subtitles).

 

What is climate change adaptation, and how can we implement it best? In this BASE video, four young reporters from the fictional 'BASE Broadcast Studio' interview a group of ‘adaptation professionals’ from across Europe to learn more.

What is the 2015 European Climate Change Adaptation Conference (ECCA 2015) all about? In this shor video, Head of ECCA 2015 Organizing Committee, Dr. Hans Sanderson, outlines the goals and aims of ECCA2015, and what makes it an important and unique event for climate adaptation in Europe. 

This poster, put together by BASE project partners CzechGlobe and Deltares, was presented at the international conference 'Deltas in Times of

Interested in learning more about the research and results of the BASE project from an insider's perspective? Want a unique perspective on some of our case study regions in the Southwest of England and the type of work being undertaken by the BASE project there? Then read BASE researcher Roos den Uyl's blog to find out more!

To coincide with the launch of the EU Climate Adaptation Strategy, FFCUL prepared a press conference event on 29th April 2013.

This leaflet provides a brief overview of the BASE project in Portuguese language, including the project's goals, and the challenges for planning and implementing effective and sustainable climate adaptation in Europe. A map provides a visual overview of the locations and themes of the 20 BASE case study sites.

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The BASE project produces a biannual European Adaptation Newsletter. Here you will find latest research and activities from the BASE project as well as climate adaptation news and events from across Europe. An archive of past issues is available here.

What is the BASE project? What are our aims and how do we plan to we reach them? And what will it mean for climate adaptation in Europe? Watch our short animation to find out!

 

This presentation of a paper, by BASE partners Anne Jensen (AU), Eliška Lorencová (CG), Xin Li (UoL), Mark Zandvoort (Deltares), Marjolijn Haasnoot (Deltares), Bjørn Bedsted (DBT), Margaretha Breil (CMCC), Filipe Alves (FCCUL), Oliver Gerbhardt (UFZ), Anders Branth Pedersen (AU) and Helle Ørsted Nielsen (AU), was given at the 

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This presentation of a paper, by BASE partner Grit Martinez (Ecologic Institute), with Kira Gee (University of Liverpool) and Fanny Frick (Humboldt University) was given at the DCE Science for the Environment conference.
 
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This presentation of a paper, by BASE partners Helle Ørsted Nielsen, Eleni Karali, Sergio Castellari and Anders Branth Pedersen was given at the DCE Science for the Environment conference.

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This presentation of a paper, by BASE partner Dr. Sabine Weiland (UFZ), was given at the DCE Science for the Environment conference.

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This presentation of a paper, by BASE partners Mikael Hildén (SYKE), Duncan Russel (University of Exeter), Benjamin Boteler and Katriona McGlade (Ecologic Institute), was given at the DCE Science for the Environment conference.

 

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This presentation of a paper, by BASE partners Ad Jeuken and Marjolijn Haasnoot (Deltares), was given at the DCE Science for the Environment conference.

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This presentation of a paper, by BASE partners Gil Penha‐Lopes (FFCUL), Jouni Paavola (University of Leeds) and Bjorn Bested (DBT), was given at the DCE Science for the Environment

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This presentation of a paper, by BASE partners Xin Li, Jouni Paavola, Dabo Guan, Gil Penha-Lopes and Nigel Wright, was given at the DCE Science for the Environment conference.

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This presentation of a paper, by BASE partners Duncan Russel (University of Exeter), Anders Pedersen, Helle Nielsen, Anne Jensen (University of Aarhas), Silke Beck, Sabine Weiland (UFZ), Kirsi Mäkinen (SYKE), Sergio Castellari, Eleni Karali (ISPRA), Katriona Mcglade, Jenny Troeltzsch (Ecologic Institute), was given at the 

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This presentation of a paper, by BASE partner Oliver Gebhardt, UFZ, Department of Economics, was given at the DCE Science for the Environment conference.

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This presentation of a paper, by BASE partners Tim Taylor, Aline Chiabai, Anil Markandya, Philip Staddon and Francesco Bosello was given at the DCE Science for the Environment conference.

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This presentation of a paper, by BASE partners Francesco Bosello, Fabio Eboli & Ana Iglesias, CIP division, Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change, was given at the DCE Science for the Environment conference.

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THIRST is a film produced in collaboration with BASE Project & during an artistic residency at OBRAS Portugal for the EEA Grants Conference "Too much Too little - The Role of Water in Climate Change Adaptation" from 7-9 Oct 2013, Lisbon, Portugal

This leaflet (download here) provides a brief overview of the BASE project, including the project's goals, and the challenges for planning and implementing effective and sustainable climate adaptation in Europe. A map provides a visual overview of the locations and themes of the 20 BASE case study sites. Additional information on the project team, as well as ways for you to get involved in BASE project activities are also included. A Portuguese version is also available here.

 

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On 13 June 2013, coordinator Dr. Hans Sanderson overviewed and provided early results of the BASE project at a Technical Workshop on Adaptation research projects, at the offices of DG Environment in Brussels. This workshop was a follow-up to similar events organized by DG RTD in 2010 and 2011.

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"The influence of local cultural values on the governance of adaptation. A comparison between two coastal communities on the German Baltic Sea." by Grit Martinez (Ecologic Institute), Fanny Frick and Kira Gee. Presentation given at the 1st European Climate Change Adaptation (ECCA) conference in Hamburg 18-20 March 2013

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"Decision support for climate change adaptation under uncertainty" by Oliver Gebhardt (UFZ), Volker Meyer (UFZ), Miriam Brenck and Bernd Hansjürgens. Presentation given at the 1st European Climate Change Adaptation (ECCA) conference in Hamburg 18-20 March 2013.

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"Efficient public adaptation to climate change – An investigation of drivers and barriers from a Public Choice perspective" by Clemens Heuson (UFZ), Erik Gawel and Paul Lehmann. Presentation given at the 1st European Climate Change Adaptation (ECCA) conference in Hamburg 18-20 March 2013.

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Presentation given by Ana Iglesias (UPM - Technical University of Madrid) at the 1st European Climate Change Adaptation (ECCA) conference in Hamburg 18-20 March 2013. The presentation examines solutions, dilemmas, responsibilities and cooperation in building robust strategies for climate-proof fresh water supply in the Tagus river basin (Spain and Portugal).

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This poster outlines a bottom-up strategy for those planning and delivering adapatation. The strategy looks at how to assess adaptation needs, and the costs, benefits and effectiveness of adaptation. Poster by Xin Li, Aline Chiabai (BC3), Dabo Guan (Leeds University), Marc Neumann (BC3), Jouni Paavola (Leeds University), Gil Penha-Lopes (FFCUL), Hans Sanderson (Aarhus University) and Nigel Wright (Leeds University) presented at the 1st European Climate Change Adaptation (ECCA) conference in Hamburg 18-20 March 2013.

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“The climate change agreement is a public health agreement,” declared Isabel Aranda, Programme Officer at the UNFCCC Secretariat, in the run-up the landmark conference of the parties (COP21) meeting in Paris.  Climate and public health experts alike joined to underscore the links between climate health and human health in what culminated in the world’s first universal climate accor

BASE project coordinator Hans Sanderson from Aarhus University has written an editorial for a Special Issue on global contaminants and climate change in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. The editorial is based on results of the BASE project. The full issue is available via open access.

As one of three European adaptation projects organising the conference, BASE researchers will be playing a major role in the activities at ECCA 2015, including chairing sessions and workshops, presenting new research findings, and hosting a booth in the Expo. Learn more about it here.

This May in Copenhagen, over a thousand leading climate adaptation scientists, decision makers, and practitioners will once again convene for the European Climate Change Adaptation Conference (ECCA 2015).

One question is being repeated over and over in Denmark: Who is going to pay for protection against flooding from the sea in the intensified climate of the future? The existing legislation is outdated, and no one has yet produced an adequate funding plan ready. Workshops held by BASE partner the Danish Board of Technology (DBT) explored the perspectives of Danish stakeholders on this critical issue, and identified recommendations for improving Danish legislation.

The future of agriculture in the Mediterranean is threatened with increased droughts, water scarcity, heat waves, storms and changes in seasonal climate patterns. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is intended to support and guide the development of agriculture in the European Union. But how has the CAP promoted adaptation to climate change at the local, regional and national level? And how can it do this better in the future? These are some questions that were posed to farmers, farmers’ organisations and experts in Portugal, from March to September 2014, by BASE partner FFCUL. The interviews revealed very different evaluations of the past of CAP and gave plenty of constructive ideas for the future.

The agricultural sector is particularly exposed to changes in climate. As such, there is a need to implement adaptation practices that take into account the perceptions of famers from the ‘bottom-up’. In March 2014, a survey of hop growers in the Czech Republic was conducted by BASE partner CzechGlobe. It revealed that a majority of hop growers perceive that global climate change is occurring, and have had experience with extreme weather events, while believing that governments, agricultural insurers and farmers themselves have an important role to play in selecting and implementing adaptation practices. 

The impacts of climate change are expected to increase the need for and scope of adaptation amongst farmers in Denmark. A recent questionnaire conducted by BASE partner Aarhus University reveals insights onto how farmers in Denmark perceive climate change, and how these perceptions are influencing their decision making.

On 9 November 2013, the headline of the Portuguese Expresso newspaper read, “The sea could swallow almost 100 meters of the Coast of Aveiro”.

Based on the experience gained within the European project ACT - Adapting to Climate Change in Time - funded by the European Commission under the LIFE Programme Environmental Policy and Governance, BASE partner ISPRA, in cooperation with the municipalities of Ancona (Italy), Bu

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Lorencová, E., Frélichová, J., Nelson, E., Vačkář, D. 2013. Land Use Policy 33, 183-194

Adelle, C. and Russel, D. (2013). Environmental Policy and Governance, 23(1): 1–12.

In late May and early June 2013, Central Europe - in particular the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland - was facing severe flooding mainly caused by the heavy rainfall in a number of already saturated river basins.

On 16 April 2013, the European Commission adopted a broad new Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, which aims to enhance Europe’s preparedness and capacity to respond to climate change impacts at local, regional, national and EU levels. The BASE project provides key support to the EU strategy by strengthening the knowledge base and providing tools to guide decision making on adaptation towards a sustainable Europe.

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In the context of global concerns about climate change that stem from the
alarming and unprecedented growth of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, this study
discusses the use of energy by large consumers of electricity in Brazil in the perspective of
sustainable development, energy resources, and regulatory policies. It evaluates the

Agriculture is a particularly sensitive sector to the potential impacts of climate change. Thus, irrigation infrastructure is required to be robust to cope with these potential threats. The objective of this research is designing more robust irrigation networks, considering cost and stakeholder contribution.

This paper assesses the effect of climate change on water availability for consumptive use for a river basin taking into account the regulation capacity of its water supply systems and a set of management standards (restrictions, demands, reliability).

A portfolio of water management strategies now exists to contribute to reach water demand and supply targets. Among them, integrated water resource management has a large potential for reducing water disagreement in water scarcity regions. Many of the strategies are based on well tested choices and technical know-how, with proven benefits for users and environment.

In the beginning of the 21st century water to support food production seems to stand at a crucial juncture. Projections of water availability remain complex and uncertain (Vorosmarty et al., 2010), not least due to changes in population, consumption patterns and environmental policy (Iglesias et al., 2011a).

Climate change is expected to intensify the existing risks, particularly in regions where water scarcity is already a concern, as well as create new opportunities in some areas. Efforts to develop adaptation strategies for agricultural water management can benefit from understanding the risks and adaptation strategies proposed to date.

Climate change poses governance challenges at diverse scales and across the dimensions of risk
and responsibility. Local governments are central to the delivery of action on both decarbonisation
and adapting to the risks of climate change. Yet there are likely to be significant differences

This Special Issue in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health focuses on the inter-linkage between the global distribution of contaminants and climate change.