Strategy for the Adaptation of the Spanish Coastline to Climate Change

The Strategy for the Adaptation of the Spanish Coastline to Climate Change outlines Spain’s commitment to enhancing coastal resilience to climate change impacts through a structured, evidence-based approach. Developed by the Spanish Climate Change Office (OECC) in collaboration with the University of Cantabria, the strategy progresses in three phases. The first phase evaluates changes in coastal dynamics and projects future trends under various climate scenarios. The second phase assesses potential impacts on natural spaces and human uses of the coastline. Finally, the third phase establishes actionable policies supported by objective indicators to mitigate and prevent climate-related effects. Central to this initiative is the Law 2/2013, which incorporates climate adaptation into Spain's Coastal Law, mandating prospective climate impact assessments for public projects and outlining strategies to safeguard coastal areas. The strategy is guided by principles of sustainability, including rational use of resources, energy efficiency, and the preservation of biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. It highlights the interplay of anthropogenic activities, such as emissions and land use changes, with climate risks, advocating for coordinated measures to minimise their combined effects. Strategic Environmental Assessments and inter-administrative collaboration are integral to its implementation, ensuring robust diagnostics and adaptive interventions to protect Spain’s coastal integrity against the dual pressures of climate change and human activities.