Climate adaptation in the EU : action not keeping up with ambition; Special report 15, 2024

Extreme climate events such as heatwaves, drought and flooding are increasing. There is an urgent need to adapt to these climate conditions. We assessed the EU's climate adaptation framework and how a selection of EU adaptation projects addressed the impacts of climate change. We found that the overall EU framework for adaptation policy was sound but there were weaknesses and gaps in its implementation. While most of the projects we audited addressed climate risks effectively, some had little or no impact on increasing adaptive capacity and a few may result in maladaptation. We make recommendations to improve reporting and knowledge-sharing on climate adaptation and to ensure that all relevant EU-funded projects are adapted to current and future climate conditions. ECA special report pursuant to Article 287(4), second subparagraph, TFEU.