WP3.Decision making processes: what are current practice and options?

 

 

This WP develops a critical assessment of existing decision making processes that are relevant to climate change adaptation, building on similar concepts and terminology as the ones developed for assessing robust decision making (Lempert and Schlesinger, 2000; Lempert et al., 2006). Combining literature review and interviews with policy experts and decision makers, it builds on the review of existing regulation, instruments and processes for each decision making relevant to climate change adaptation, highlighting in particular: the difference between the philosophy embedded into the regulation and current practice; the possible flexibility or “windows for opportunity” that could be seized for “adaptation” to be well accounted for; areas where “adaptation is currently considered (strategies, actions, communication, financing instruments, etc.); strengths and weaknesses of current regulation, instruments, financing, and policy processes to account for climate change adaptation.

 

In coherence with the CIRCLE 2 – MED call, the critical analysis of decision making processes proposed under WP3 focuses on:

 

•   Decision making processes and tools that are relevant to the continuum between sea level rise and water (i.e. that might affect directly or indirectly the link between these two issues), with particular attention being given freshwater resources (availability and use, including water supply and sanitation), urban infrastructure / agglomerations, and ecosystem services;

 

•  Decision making processes that take place at differet scales (from local, regional, national to European).

 

The results of the critical review will be presented in a single report that will include country- specific sections and common sections on the European scale and similarities and differences

in the way adaptation can and is ”accounted for”in today’s decision making processes.