Addressing the impacts of climate change is a key priority for the EEA and Norway Grants. Climate change is happening now. Temperatures are rising, rainfall patterns are shifting, glaciers and snow are melting and the global sea level is rising. According to the European Environmental Agency, Europe is warming faster than many other parts of the world. European countries are already experiencing more extreme weather, with more frequent heat waves, forest fires and droughts hitting countries in Southern and Central Europe while others have witnessed increased rainfall and flooding.
Too much or too little
Too much or too little water is an increasing challenge on our continent and the changes in the availability of water resources will affect people across borders and sectors in Europe. Early and coordinated adaptation to climate change, i.e. planning for the changes that are expected to occur, will help minimise the impact and safeguard the long-term prosperity of our environment, economy and communities. Early action will also save damage costs later. However, addressing the effects of climate change is a shared challenge that requires coordinated action and tailored local solutions.
The international conference ‘Too Much, Too Little – The Role of Water in Adaptation to Climate Change’ taking place in Lisbon 7-9 October is addressing the impact climate change has on water resources in Europe. The conference is organised by the Portuguese Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy, The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) and the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) and supported by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Grants.
Policy responses and best practices related to climate change adaptation will be outlined and discussed at the conference. There will also be presentations of recent research related to impacts and vulnerability of water and water-related sectors as well as recommendations for the future.
The conference will be live streamed here starting Monday 7 October 9.00 (GMT+1)
EEA and Norway Grants – making a difference
Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are contributing to improve the response to a changing climate in Europe. Through the EEA and Norway Grants, programmes dealing with climate change adaptation are supported in nine EU countries - Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Portugal, Romania and Slovakia. The objective of the programmes is to reduce the vulnerability of people and ecosystems to climate change.
Public authorities, scientists, private sector and civil society organisations across Europe have a lot to learn from each other when it comes to how best to plan for the changes that are and will occur as a result of climate change. Through the Grants and at the conference in Lisbon, cooperation and exchange of experiences and best practices is facilitated.
Registration and programme
For more information about the conference including programme and registration, please consult the organisers website. The registration is now closed. Please contact the organisers on EEAgrantsconf2013@apambiente.pt if you still want to attend.
Participation in this conference is targeted towards representatives of public entities, NGOs, research institutions, politicians and decision makers, journalists and others working with climate change adaptation and environment in the beneficiary and donor countries of the EEA and Norway Grants as well as representatives of international organisations.
Media Grants available
The Financial Mechanism Office (FMO) – the secretariat of the Grants - provides Media Grants to media outlets, journalists, bloggers and/or photographers interested in publishing stories about key areas of support for the EEA and Norway Grants. Travel to participate at the conference in Lisbon could be funded. Find out more about our Media Grants and how to apply here.
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