Developments in monitoring climate change adaptation in urban areas. Quick scan of experiences outside the Netherlands.

The main objective of the Delta Programme on Spatial Adaptation (Deltaprogramma Ruimtelijke Adaptatie (DPRA)) is to ensure a climate-proof and water-resilient Netherlands, by 2050. The Programme  is to build a system for monitoring the progress and impact (output and outcome) of climate change adaptation in the Dutch urban environment. PBL is involved in this project and has carried out a quick scan of climate adaptation monitoring systems in a selected number of countries and cities outside the Netherlands. The final report with a proposal for output and outcome indicators will be available later this year.

Universally applicable monitoring & evaluation system and set of indicators not yet available

Most countries and cities are still in the early phases of implementing their adaptation strategy and are setting up their monitoring and evaluation programmes (M&Es).  Available monitoring and reporting frameworks provide a range of possible output and outcome indicators for urban areas. As such, there is no ‘silver bullet’ in approach, method and indicators for monitoring climate change adaptation.

Benefit from connecting with international networks

In the coming years and decades, multiple monitoring systems for climate adaptation will be developed, around the world, some of which may also be of use to the Delta Programme on Spatial Adaptation. This includes the monitoring of the applicability, effectiveness and possible costs of adaptation measures and possible monitoring indicators for output and outcome. Connection to these international networks can make an effective contribution to the required knowledge development in the Netherlands.

Build a long-term database

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) states that a critical component of successful monitoring and evaluation of the adaptation policy is the creation of a long-term database that encompasses the expected and current climate effects and their associated risks, such as weather-related damage and people affected. Such a database would provide a basis for analysing and evaluating the effect of implemented adaptation measures, as well as their expected effects and ultimate outcomes.