The European Commission adopted its new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, setting out pathways to prepare for the unavoidable impacts of climate change. It recognises that despite the measures taken against climate change, an increase in the frequency and severity of climate and extreme weather scenarios is expected. The strategy is closely tied in with the European Green Deal, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. Economic losses from more frequent climate-related extreme events are increasing and are already estimated at over € 12 billion per year now.

The strategy recognises the expected impact from increased water levels and extreme weather on touristic activities and infrastructure in coastal areas, and in the inland environment the impact of water shortages on touristic activities on rivers. These impacts will be visible for recreational boating too and need to be recognised and tackled. In the run-up to the consultation, EBI provided substantial input to the consultation and met with the European Commission’s Directorate General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA) to highlight the key issues.

EBI’s position paper, developed with input from the ICOMIA Marinas Group and the PIANC Recreational Navigation Commission, can be found here. EBI welcomes the inclusion in the strategy of the impact on touristic activities in coastal areas and rivers. Among the activities that the Commission will launch resulting from the strategy are:

• EU funding support for climate change adaptation
• Promoting nature-based solutions for adaptation through assessments, guidance, capacity building, and EU funding
• Closing knowledge gaps on climate impacts and resilience
• Improving adaptation modelling, risk assessment and management tools
• Leading regional and national cooperation on national adaptation strategies

The full paper and planned measures can be found here. EBI will now liaise with the Commission to assist with its implementation and continue to draw attention to some of the issues highlighted in the EBI position paper, in particular the impact of climate change on recreational boating and nautical tourism, adaptation solutions for marinas and other infrastructure, and supporting boaters.