EU-wide debate on the climate change

The extreme weather events like intense bursts of rainfall, floods, landslides, storms and heat waves have been occurring more often than ever. The climate change process is happening. "This is just a taste of what is to come" - warns the European Commission adopting an initial policy paper on climate change. The Green Paper "Adapting to climate change in Europe - Options for EU action" emphasizes the dual challenge to be faced - necessity of substantial cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and the need to adapt to the changing climate conditions. The EC document sets out the possible ways for the EU to act and presents a four-action approach at the Community level:

• The first covers early action in areas from agriculture to trade that are backed by EU policies and available Community funds.
• The second recommends integration of adaptation into existing EU external actions, in particular its promotion in developing countries.
• The third calls for intensified climate research, in particular on the impacts of global warming, and technological innovation
• The fourth is about involving all segments of society, business and the public in the further development of adaptation strategies.

The EU-wide debate has been launched to decide how to go forward on the issue. The UBC took part in the consultations and responded to the Green Paper generally acclaiming the initiative. The Union, however, believes that the local authorities are at the forefront when dealing with the consequences of climate change, therefore, it appeals for the local perspective in the EU approach. The UBC urges the Commission to recognize the importance of local and regional authorities and existing regional groupings in developing and delivering climate change adaptation measures, and to recognize the need to provide them with the powers to enable them to develop adaptation strategies. The UBC also proposed that EU should support the local authorities and regions in how they can inform, educate and support their citizens.

As regards the EC proposals, the Union agrees that a swift transition to a low-carbon economy needs to be the top priority on the political agenda. The UBC suggests including the energy production and distribution grids in rural and sub-urban areas in the action plan. Taking the fragile marine environment of the Baltic Sea into account, the UBC calls for more firm actions to reduce the pollutants from waste water treatment plants.

The UBC is aware that the adaptation process is complex, since the severity of the impacts will vary considerably from region to region. Therefore, it agrees with the Commission's opinion that a "one-size-fits-all" is a non-appropriate approach. The EU needs to recognize the external dimension and build alliances with partners around the world.