Mainstreaming Climate Policy: The Case of Climate Adaptation and the Implementation of EU Water Policy

Stijn Brouwer, Tim Rayner and Dave Huitema
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Stijn Brouwer: Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tim Rayner: Tyndall Centre for Climate Change, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, England
Dave Huitema: Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, and School of Sciences, Netherlands Open University, PO Box 2960, 6401DL Heerlen, The Netherlands

Environment and Planning C, 2013, vol. 31, issue 1, 134-153

Abstract: Despite the fact that mainstreaming of climate change into existing EU sectoral policies is a key aim, empirical knowledge of how it works in practice remains scarce. With this paper we explore the degree to which climate considerations are taken into account in the implementation of one of the most influential pieces of European water legislation, the Water Framework Directive and, more importantly, we assess possible explanations for the geographical variability in levels of mainstreaming observed. Our empirical research is based on an analysis of both EU and local policy documents, as well as more than forty in-depth interviews, and shows that, for various reasons, the degree of mainstreaming that has taken place differs widely. We conclude that timely incentives and clear guidance will be necessary to ensure progress is made by all, but that a residual fear that the adaptation agenda is open to abuse by those seeking to rationalise failures to fully implement the Water Framework Directive has put a brake on the mainstreaming agenda.

Keywords: adaptation; Catalonia; climate change; European Union; EU Water Framework Directive; Italy; mainstreaming; Poland; Scotland; Sweden (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:envirc:v:31:y:2013:i:1:p:134-153

DOI: 10.1068/c11134

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