Publication: Adapting to Climate Change in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Date
2010
ISSN
Published
2010
Author(s)
Abstract
The climate is changing, and the Eastern
Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region is vulnerable to the
consequences. Many of the region's countries are facing
warmer temperatures, a changing hydrology, and more
extremes, droughts, floods, heat waves, windstorms, and
forest fires. This book presents an overview of what
adaptation to climate change might mean for Eastern Europe
and Central Asia. It starts with a discussion of emerging
best-practice adaptation planning around the world and a
review of the latest climate projections. It then discusses
possible actions to improve resilience organized around
impacts on health, natural resources (water, biodiversity,
and the coastal environment), the 'unbuilt'
environment (agriculture and forestry), and the built
environment (infrastructure and housing). The last chapter
concludes with a discussion of two areas in great need of
strengthening given the changing climate: disaster
preparedness and hydro-meteorological services. This book
has four key messages: a) contrary to popular perception,
Eastern Europe and Central Asia face significant threats
from climate change, with a number of the most serious risks
already in evidence; b) vulnerability over the next 10 to 20
years is likely to be dominated by socioeconomic factors and
legacy issues; c) even countries and sectors that stand to
benefit from climate change are poorly positioned to do so;
and d) the next decade offers a window of opportunity for
ECA countries to make their development more resilient to
climate change while reaping numerous co-benefits.
Citation
“Fay, Marianne; Block, Rachel I.; Ebinger, Jane. 2010. Adapting to Climate Change in
Eastern Europe and Central Asia. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/2407 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”