Adaptation to Climate Change in Coastal Areas of the European Union. An Evaluation of Plans and Strategies

A Climate change and its adverse effects are now the greatest threats faced by society. As a consequence, it is essential to adopt strategic instruments and adaptation measures – especially in the most vulnerable and susceptible areas, such as coastal zones. An analysis has been carried out on the instruments and adaptation measures designed to combat the effects of climate change in coastal countries of the European Union. A bibliographic search of technical and scientific documents has been carried out using various information platforms. Strategic planning instruments were subsequently studied and adaptation measures were classified. The results of this study indicate that, in relation to strategic instruments, there has been a significant and progressive increase in the adoption of adaptation plans and strategies that address problems faced by coastal areas. Physical-structural adaptation measures are the most widely used, especially ecosystem-based and engineering measures, even in specific projects implemented at different territorial scales of governance. One of the main conclusions drawn from the analysis is that, from an operational perspective, the local scale is the most suitable for implementing adaptation measures.