Articles | Volume 14
https://doi.org/10.5194/asr-14-241-2017
https://doi.org/10.5194/asr-14-241-2017
14 Jul 2017
 | 14 Jul 2017

Communicating climate change adaptation information using web-based platforms

Eleni Karali and Kati Mattern

Abstract. To facilitate progress in climate change adaptation policy and practice, it is important not only to ensure the production of accurate, comprehensive and relevant information, but also the easy, timely and affordable access to it. This can contribute to better-informed decisions and improve the design and implementation of adaptation policies and other relevant initiatives. Web-based platforms can play an important role in communicating and distributing data, information and knowledge that become constantly available, reaching out to a large group of potential users. Indeed in the last decade there has been an extensive increase in the number of platforms developed for this purpose in many fields including climate change adaptation. This short paper concentrates on the web-based adaptation platforms developed in Europe. It provides an overview of the recently emerged landscape, examines the basic characteristics of a set of platforms that operate at national, transnational and European level, and discusses some of the key challenges related to their development, maintenance and overall management. Findings presented in this short paper are discussed in greater detailed in the Technical Report of the European Environment Agency Overview of climate change adaptation platforms in Europe.

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Short summary
To facilitate progress in adaptation policy and practice, it is important not only to ensure the production of accurate, comprehensive and relevant information, but also the easy, timely and affordable access to it. Web-based platforms can play an important role in the relevant efforts, providing a cost-effective and efficient way to reach out to a wide audience. Despite the progress that has been achieved in this area in recent years, certain challenges remain and need to be further explored.