Interest Group Climate & Adaptation within the network of European EPAs

1. Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) Interest Group Climate & Adaptation within the network of European EPAs Jelle van Minnen

2. Outline • The EPA network in general • The EPA IG Climate & adaptation • Feedback 8th meeting EPA IG • National information • Response to EU white paper Jelle van Minnen

3. EPA network • “Informal grouping bringing together the directors of EPAs and similar bodies across Europe, led by EEA” • The network • exchanges views and experiences on issues of common interest • provides information to Brussels • Meet 2x a year => broad environmental interest • Various Interest Groups Jelle van Minnen

4. EPA network (ii) • Current Interest Groups • Biodiversity • Better regulations • Soil protection • Environment & health • GMO • International Cooperation • Natural resources & material flow • Quality Assessment • Climate change mitigation: CCS • Climate change adaptation Jelle van Minnen

5. EPA IG Climate & Adaptation • Also meets 2x a year • About 17 EPA active • Objectives • Exchange on information and experiences between countries in the field of adaptation => learning (2 ways) • Support the European Commission in process towards an Climate Change Adaptation Strategy • Exchange scientific information related to climate change: costs; regional climate data, modelling & scenario’s • Support international activities with respect to climate change adaptation, e.g. UNFCCC • Establish links to other networks (ENCA, CIRCLE) Jelle van Minnen

6. EPA IG Climate & Adaptation (ii) • Exchange on national information: e.g. NL Jelle van Minnen

7. EPA IG Climate & Adaptation (iii) • Exchange on institutional projects: e.g. PBL project on “developing options on long term spatial strategies for climate-proofing of the Netherlands” Jelle van Minnen

8. Feedback 8th meeting EPA IG Climate & Adaptation • Much national information: e.g. new strategies appear, new national research programs, started links to RBMPs • 3rd position paper as a response to EU White Paper • Agreed with many aspects of WP, e.g. • 2 step approach, involvement of MSs, call for intergrated approach, • Various challenges for follow-up process • Information for non-scientists, more on uncertainties, consistent & not double reporting • Stimulate cross-sectoral linkages • Sufficient financing • Implementing adaptation in EU external policy • More network between MS & regions, link to domain of European sustainability, urban areas • Endorsed by many, but not all EPAs Jelle van Minnen

9. Feedback 8th meeting EPA IG Climate & Adaptation(ii) • Reporting framework: • Avoid duplication through harmonisation with and establishing links to other reporting obligations • If reporting framework is introduced => coherent template, e.g. reporting on • existing national adaptation plans and/or strategies, or those in preparation • institutional and legal framework for the adaptation activities • key climatic vulnerabilities • National and European research programmes and databases • Existing and planned policies and measures (e.g. objective, type, stakeholder, …). • on joint activities/mainstreaming Jelle van Minnen

10. Jelle van Minnen