ABSTRACT
Due to the diversity of biophysical and socio-economic situations, the impacts of climate change will vary from region to region, thus affecting sectors, actors and decision-making levels differently (Scheraga & Grambsch 1998). Furthermore, impacts in one region or sector may have consequences for other regions or sectors, and impacts on one actor or decision-making level may have consequences for other actors or levels. Identifying and ranking the potential direct and indirect impacts of climate change helps to structure the process of developing specific adaptation actions. In the 1990s, to support early climate policy discussions, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) produced technical guidelines for scientists (Carter et al. 1994, Parry et al. 1998); the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) similarly issued its Handbook on Methods for Climate Change Impact Assessment and Adaptation Strategies to support national studies (Feenstra et al. 1998). The main focus of this material was on increasing the scientific understanding of potential climate change impacts and vulnerability and on raising awareness. Due to recent advancements UNEP has taken the initiative in the context of PROVIA (Programme of Research on Climate Change Vulnerability, Impacts and Adaptation) to develop new comprehensive guidance released in 2013 and expected to be further developed over the next few years. This guidance will also provide detailed and comprehensive information on appropriate methods and tools for the assessment of impacts, vulnerability and adaptation efforts.
