The ENAAC2030 is now open for public feedback. This plan aims to help Portugal tackle the challenges posed by climate change. It focuses on building resilience against extreme events like heat waves, droughts, fires, and floods. Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, stated that the recent impacts of climate change have been significantly more severe than in the past.
She highlighted several critical issues, including coastal erosion, water scarcity, and the rising threat of forest fires. One shift has been the emergence of new health challenges, such as the dengue mosquito now appearing on the mainland. This shows how climate change is not just an environmental issue but a public health concern as well.
Carvalho emphasized that the government isn’t waiting for ENAAC2030 to initiate action. They have already started investing around 140 million euros in projects along the coastline, targeting areas like Esposende and Costa da Caparica. In addition, the Portuguese Environment Agency has received 12.3 million euros to enhance flood prevention systems to better protect vulnerable regions.
Efforts worth 60 million euros for flood prevention are underway in Lisbon, Algés, and Faro. “We didn’t wait for the strategy to take action,” the minister assured. ENAAC2030 will help coordinate crucial policies and foster cooperation among public sectors affected by climate change.
The goal of ENAAC2030 is clear: equip Portugal with the tools and knowledge needed to safeguard its people, ecosystems, and economy against increasingly unpredictable climate events. The strategy is currently open for public input through the Participa.pt portal, inviting citizens and organizations to share their thoughts.
With climate events becoming more frequent, the urgency for such a strategy is evident. Recent data shows that globally, extreme heat events have tripled over the last 50 years. This trend underscores the growing need for effective adaptation measures.
For more insights on climate adaptation strategies, you can check the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
