Actions needed to help Europeans cope with the changing climate have been outlined in the newly published European Commission White Paper. The framework presented by the Commission sets out a two-phase strategic approach to adapting to the impacts of climate change.

It calls for better access to data on the impact of climate change and suggests setting up a clearing house mechanism by 2011 to provide greater access to information on the likely consequences of climate change, vulnerable areas and best practice.

European Commissioner for the Environment, Stavros Dimas, said: 'The seriousness of climate change is becoming greater and more disturbing with each passing year. We must work hard to reduce carbon emissions, but even with the emission reductions we are committed to achieving, some amount of climate change is inevitable. It is therefore essential that we start work now with governments, business and communities to develop a comprehensive adaptation strategy for the EU and to ensure that adaptation is integrated into key EU policies.'

Agriculture Commissioner, Mariann Fischer Boel, said: 'European agriculture will feel the full force of climate change. I want to give farmers a clear understanding of the challenges they will face, and I want to launch discussions about specific steps to help our farmers to adapt. In particular, I want to see us take "no regret" measures which will bring economic and environmental dividends no matter how the climate develops.'

Over the next 50 years climate change is likely to have profound effects on important economic sectors such as agriculture, energy, transport, ecosystems, tourism and health. It will also affect households and businesses and vulnerable sectors of society, notably the elderly, the disabled and low-income households.

The White Paper presents a framework within which the EU and its member states can prepare for the impacts of climate change. A first phase of the strategy will run until 2012 and will lay the groundwork for preparing a comprehensive EU adaptation strategy from 2013 and beyond. It will focus on increasing understanding of climate change and possible adaptation measures and how adaptation can be embedded in key EU policies. Decisions on how best to adapt must be based on solid scientific and economic analysis, yet available information differs widely across regions. The paper outlines the need for a Clearing House Mechanism in which to exchange information on climate change risks, impacts and best practices.

Impacts of climate change will vary by region, with coastal and mountain areas and flood plains particularly vulnerable. It is for this reason that most adaptation measures will be carried out nationally or regionally. The role of the European Union will be to support these efforts through an integrated and coordinated approach, particularly in cross-border issues and policies which are higintegrated at EU level. Naturally, climate change adaptation will need to be at the heart of all EU policies. Adaptation must also feature prominently in the Union's external policies to assist those countries most affected and cooperate on international adaptation issues with partner countries.