There is a general consensus that climate change is here to stay. Now we have to find out how to limit the effects, and adapt as best we can.

A strategy outlining how to adapt to the major upheavals caused by climate change is being prepared by several countries, including suggestions for citizens, companies, local authorities and planners.

Part of the planning

Climate change has become a serious consideration when planning new, major infrastructure projects and public buildings and when considering how to protect coastlines and design the sewage systems of the future.

"We have to accept that climate change will occur despite all efforts, so now we have to plan our way around it," says Chief Project Manager Claus Hvashøj Jørgensen from COWI.

"Despite the continued uncertainty regarding the size and consequences of changes in the climate, we must focus on the present insights and scenarios. In the future we can expect more demands on our ability to verify how our infrastructure can cope with projected climate changes."

The Kyoto Protocol

At the beginning of the 90s it was decided to work towards an internationally binding environmental agreement - the Kyoto Protocol - the purpose of which is to reduce the emission of climate change gasses such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and dinitrous oxide.

In November 2004, countries representing 50% of the world’s climate gas emissions ratified the Kyoto Protocol - the prerequisite for the agreement coming into force. In practical terms the individual countries can also reduce their overall emissions of climate gasses by exchanging quotas with other countries.

By Christina Tækker
Published 27.06.2005