ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the barriers and opportunities to develop and implement options for policy responses to a possible change in the incidence of extreme weather due to the process of climate change. In this chapter, the term ‘policy’ primarily refers to government decisions. Since government policies are seldom made by governments alone, the positions and potential behaviour of other social and political actors is important as well. The chapter does not identify local or sector-specific solutions or policies. It focuses on the gap between scientific knowledge and policy practice. A policy sciences approach is taken. The chapter aims at offering a strategy to policy-makers at the European, national and regional levels for developing prevention and adaptation options in close collaboration with scientists and representatives of the sectors and regions at risk.
