Climate Adaptation Measures in Belgium Based on Risk Analyses
Context
Belgium is increasingly exposed to the effects of climate change, including floods, heatwaves, droughts and other extreme weather events. These risks affect more than people and the natural environment: they also put pressure on infrastructure, the economy, healthcare and social cohesion.
The first Belgian Climate Risk Assessment (BCRA) identified climate-related risks that require further action. Addressing these challenges calls for coordinated efforts across policy areas, involving both the federal government and Belgium’s federated entities.
To help turn these findings into action, the federal government is updating its Federal Adaptation Plan. To support this process, VITO, ICEDD, Ramboll and Möbius carried out the study Be-Adapt: Adaptation Measures in Belgium Based on Risk Analyses.
The study provides a scientific basis for identifying potential adaptation measures and preparing the Federal Adaptation Plan 2027–2031. It supports the next step in Belgium’s climate adaptation efforts: translating identified risks into measures that can help the country prepare for the impacts of a changing climate.
Objectives
How can the federal government help Belgium prepare for the impacts of climate change? The Be-Adapt study addresses this question by building on the findings of the Belgian Climate Risk Assessment (BCRA) and identifying measures that fall within federal competences, including measures that can support climate adaptation across policy areas.
The study identified and analysed potential federal measures targeting ten priority climate risks. For most of these risks, the team selected a range of measures and examined them in detail.
The findings provide policymakers with a scientific basis for comparing potential approaches and deciding which measures to develop further. They are intended to support the selection and elaboration of measures for Belgium’s forthcoming Federal Adaptation Plan, helping translate identified climate risks into concrete policy action.
Highlights
Potential measures within the competence of the federal authorities were analysed in detail for six climate-related risks.
Risks to...
- Property insurance due to flooding;
- Human health due to heat stress;
- Energy infrastructure due to extreme weather events;
- Mental health;
- Reduced social cohesion and increased inequalities;
- Continuity of healthcare systems due to heatwaves and flooding.
For each risk, a longlist of potential measures was drawn up, from which two to four measures were selected for further analysis. These measures were described and assessed in detail, covering their objectives, federal competences, cooperation between Belgium’s different levels of government, effectiveness, stakeholders involved, costs, indicators, and potential implementation barriers.
VITO developed the measures addressing heat stress and mental health.
