Austria: Strategy for adaptation to climate change
The objective of the Austrian adaptation strategy is to avoid the adverse effects of climate change on the environment, society, and the economy and to fully utilize any opportunities that may arise. The adoption of an adaptation strategy should strengthen natural, social, and technological adaptive capacities. Adaptation measures should thus involve no social downsides; rather, they should minimize risks to democracy, health, security, and social justice.
As a nationwide framework for the alignment of necessary adaptation measures, the strategy aims to bring together relevant actors, support cooperative action and facilitate the use of synergies through cooperation whenever possible. It seeks to provide recommendations for each of the various areas and to identify linkages for all the actors challenged with implementation. In accordance with the precautionary principle, the strategy attempts to lay a foundation for forward-looking action with regard to future climate change impacts and to foster successful implementation. A proactive approach is recommended, because as climate change progresses, the opportunities for successful adaptation diminish and the associated costs increase.