Adapting to climate change in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union

This report presents an overview of what adaptation to climate change might mean for Eastern Europe and Cental Asia, in terms of vulnerability to a changing hydrology and more extreme droughts, floods, heat waves, windstorms, and forest fires, and in terms of the frequency and cost of natural disasters.

It starts with a discussion of emerging best practice adaptation planning around the world and a review of the latest climate projections. The report then discusses possible actions to improve resilience organized around impacts on natural resources (water, biodiversity, and the coastal environment), health, the 'unbuilt' environment (agriculture and forestry), and the built environment (infrastructure and housing). The last chapter concludes with a discussion of two areas in great need of strengthening given the changing climate: disaster preparedness and hydrometeorological services.