[Policy Brief] Coastal zones are under pressure from climate change: Transformational adaptation is needed
Rising seas. Intensifying storms. A changing coastline. The impacts of climate change are no longer distant threats—they are here, and they are reshaping Europe’s coastal regions.
By 2050, 0.6 – 1.75 million Europeans will be affected by coastal hazards, yet adaptation efforts remain fragmented and underfunded. The question isn’t whether we need action—it’s how fast we can scale up solutions.
The policy brief from CoCliCo, endorsed by the PROTECT, Score, and Rest-Coast projects, outlines key messages for policy and decision-makers to address European coastal risks. Here is a summary of the key messages:
Coastal zones demand major transformations
European coastal zones have reached a critical point due to the combined pressures of climate change and coastal development. Urgent adaptation decisions are essential to safeguard communities, economies, and ecosystems.
- In many locations, the limits of current adaptation strategies are being tested, prompting a necessary reassessment of long-standing coastal management practices.
- While adaptation practitioners are exploring innovative solutions, these efforts often fall short of the radical transformations required to address the accelerating impacts of sea-level rise.
- The evidence has been clear for decades: action can no longer be delayed.
Broad-scale climate services for coastal adaptation are ready for implementation
The CoCliCo project has demonstrated that a European-scale core climate service for coastal adaptation is possible and ready to be implemented.
- These climate services are designed to support experienced adaptation practitioners and those newly addressing coastal risk.
- Data collection and modelling advances are making climate services more precise and actionable, providing a stronger foundation for decision-making.
- However, sustained institutional and financial commitment will be essential to reach full operational capacity.
A dedicated European Coastal Climate Service can help make adaptation happen
Climate services play a crucial role in enabling effective coastal adaptation by providing the knowledge needed for informed decision-making by public authorities, businesses, and communities. However, other key enablers are also necessary, including strong governance, adequate financing, and an inclusive public dialogue that prioritizes equity and justice.
- CoCliCo’s research highlights that multiple adaptation pathways are possible. Still, past decisions, such as constructing hard coastal defences, coastal floodplain development, and historical greenhouse gas emissions, continue to shape and constrain today’s choices.
- Coastal adaptation presents a unique opportunity to rethink coastal zone management, integrating climate change mitigation, adaptation to its impacts, and broader sustainability objectives.
The path forward is clear: investing in a European Coastal Climate Service and embedding adaptation into policy and governance frameworks will be critical to ensuring resilient coastal futures.
The science is clear. The risks are increasing. The only question is whether decision-makers will act in time.
Read the full CoCliCo Policy Brief here:
–
ℹ️ Policy brief by CoCliCo, and endorsed by the PROTECT, SCORE – Smart Control of the Climate Resilience in European Coastal Cities, and REST-COAST projects
✍ Authors: Gonéri Le Cozannet, Paul Sayers, Robert Nicholls, Jochen Hinkel, Iñigo Losada, Angélique Melet, Arjen Luijendijk, Elco Koks, Daniel Lincke, Eva Loukogeorgaki, Gianmaria Sannino, Athanasios Vafeidis, Carme Machí Castañer, Etienne Kras, Melisa Menendez, Alexandra Toimil Silva, Vanessa Völz, Rémi Thiéblemont, Vincent Bascoul, Hedda Bonatz, Edmund Penning-Rowsell, Susana Romao, Pauline Douillac, Gus Williams.
CoCliCo has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 101003598
