Serbia adopts first Programme for Adaptation to Changed Climatic Conditions with Action Plan

Serbia has adopted the first Programme for Adaptation to Changed Climatic Conditions for the period 2023-2030, with an Action Plan.

The action plan for the period 2024-2026 defines 25 measures as well as the financial and institutional frame and timeline for their implementation and monitoring, the Government of Serbia said after adopting the document.

According to the program, Serbia is warming faster than the global average. The global temperature increase averages 1.1 degrees Celsius while in Serbia it is 1.8 degrees, and in summer it is even 2.6.

Drought, high temperatures and floods have caused EUR 6.8 billion in damage

Since 2000 Serbia experienced several extreme climate and weather episodes that caused significant material and financial losses as well as human deaths. The minimum amount of damage and loss for the period 2000-2020 is EUR 6.8 billion, the program reads.

More than 70% was caused by droughts and high temperatures attributed to climate change and extreme weather events, while the other main cause was flooding. It is why the adoption and implementation of the program is of most importance for Serbia, the document underlines.

The program contains four specific objectives:

1. Increase awareness, improve knowledge and understanding of the impact of climate change and its outcomes (13 measures);
2. Establish and strengthen capacities for the systematic implementation of the adaptation to changed climate conditions from the national to the local level (five measures);
3. Increase the climate change resilience of critical infrastructure and natural resources (three measures);
4. Improve financial support for adapting to changed climate conditions (four measures).

Over the first three years of implementation, an additional RSD 851 million (EUR 7.3 million) has to be allocated from the budget. The largest amount is needed for the fourth objective – RSD 744 million (EUR 6.3 million), while the rest will be spent for the first goal – RSD 106 million (EUR 904.400).

The program is based on scientific data on climate change in Serbia

The program envisages adaptation to changed climate conditions systematically and based on scientific data on climate change in Serbia. It contains an analysis of evident changes in the climate together with climate change scenarios.

An integral part of the program is the analysis of the impact of climate change on sectors and systems where it is necessary to reduce the adverse effect of climate change: human health and safety, agriculture, forestry, traffic and road infrastructure, energy, urban planning and development, and biodiversity.

The 25 measures should be implemented by the ministries of environmental protection, agriculture, health, internal affairs, finance and construction and the Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia (RHMZ).