Tackling the climate crisis starting from local areas
How can territories respond to the consequences of climate change? In this article, you’ll discover what climate change adaptation means, which solutions are most effective in protecting people, ecosystems, and infrastructure, and how public authorities can access funding to finance these actions. We will also explore the role of Nature-based Solutions and Etifor’s services in supporting local administrations on this journey.
What does climate change adaptation mean?
Climate change adaptation refers to the set of strategies and interventions aimed at reducing the vulnerability of natural, economic, and social systems to the impacts of a changing climate. Unlike mitigation, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation directly addresses risk management challenges, such as droughts, floods, heatwaves, and biodiversity loss.
Adaptation strategies and plans are essential for preventing environmental, health, and economic damage and making territories more resilient. The European Commission and international bodies promote climate adaptation policies that align with sustainable development goals.
What are the different forms of climate change adaptation?
Adaptation measures can be structural, such as engineering works for soil protection, or non-structural, such as urban planning, sustainable resource management, or public awareness campaigns.
However, nature offers some of the best examples of how to build territorial resilience. So-called nature-based solutions are an effective form of environmental adaptation: they enhance territorial resilience by leveraging ecosystem services and generating multiple benefits for climate, biodiversity, and society.
What are the main actions to mitigate environmental risks?
Adaptation actions to environmental risks aim to reduce the vulnerability of people, infrastructure, and ecosystems to climate change impacts. These measures can be physical, institutional, or behavioural and must be integrated into territorial development plans.
Key adaptation actions include:
- river restoration to reduce hydrogeological risk,
- sustainable water resource management in response to drought and water scarcity,
- expanding urban green areas to mitigate urban heat islands,
- protecting and restoring natural ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands,
- upgrading infrastructure to withstand extreme climate events.
The effectiveness of these actions depends on their integration into territorial planning and active community engagement. Etifor promotes science-based approaches and Nature-based Solutions that deliver lasting environmental, economic, and social benefits.
Climate Change in Italy: What Adaptation Measures? The PNACC
The National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PNACC) is the reference tool guiding public policies and local actions in Italy. After years of delay, the plan was updated in 2023, identifying the most vulnerable areas and priority actions to take.
Find out more in our in-depth article on the PNACC, where we analyze this strategic document’s content, limitations, and potential for the country’s climate planning.
Nature-based Solutions: An Ally in Fighting the Climate Crisis
Nature-based Solutions (NBS) are interventions that use ecological processes to tackle environmental, social, and economic challenges. For climate adaptation, NBS can:
- absorb excess water during extreme weather events,
- regulate urban temperatures,
- increase the resilience of natural ecosystems.
Etifor promotes using NBS as a lever for environmental regeneration and territorial protection. Discover more about the potential of Nature-based Solutions for climate adaptation.
An Example of Adaptation in Veneto: The ANBI Project
In 2023, we supported ANBI Veneto in developing a climate change adaptation strategy for the local Land Reclamation Consortia. Our work included:
- analyzing the impacts of climate change on the territory,
- proposing interventions based on Nature-based Solutions,
- identifying funding instruments.
Discover the project and how we helped the irrigation system achieve greater climate resilience.
Where to Find Funding—and How We Can Help You
Accessing funding is essential to implementing climate adaptation measures effectively. Various sources are available, including:
- European programs such as LIFE, Interreg, and Horizon Europe,
- resources from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and the National Adaptation Plan,
- regional and national calls for territorial regeneration.
Etifor can help you identify the most suitable funding opportunities, develop project proposals, and select the best NBS for your territory’s needs. Discover all our services on Nature-based Solutions in response to territorial challenges.
Do You Want to Strengthen Your Territory’s Resilience?
Climate change adaptation can no longer be postponed. If you’re a public authority or local administration, we can help you turn climate challenges into concrete opportunities. Contact us for personalized support and build a more resilient future with us.