Denmark: Strategy for adaptation to a changing climate
This strategy is based on the notion that adaptation to climate change is a long-term process, and that it is still uncertain what the consequences of climate change will be and how soon they will take effect. The government will therefore initiate an information campaign and organise the area, with the aim of ensuring that climate change is incorporated into planning and development so that public authorities, businesses and citizens have the best possible basis for considering whether, how and when climate change should be taken into account.
The strategy comprises the following measures:
- a targeted information campaign, including creation of a web portal operated by an information centre;
- a research strategy that will include estalishment of a coordinating body to ensure that Danish climate research focuses on the adaptation question to a greater extent; and
- establishing an organizational framework, including establishing a horizontal coordination forum for adaptation that will ensure a coordinated effort among public authorities.
The strategy includes a description of the vulnerability of those sectors where climate change is expected to have significant consequences. Focus will be on autonomous adaptation measures already underway, and what is necessary to advance this process.
In a number of areas it will already be prudent to undertake adjustments that take into account present IPCC knowledge concerning the future climate, for example, with respect to long-term infrastructure investments and decisions.
How the adaptation effort should be designed will be the result of considering the consequences of climate change, the probability of their occurrence and the costs of prevention. In this context attention must be paid to undertaking autonomous adaptation.