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Mainstreaming Climate Policy: The Case of Climate Adaptation and the Implementation of EU Water Policy

Author

Listed:
  • Stijn Brouwer

    (Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Tim Rayner

    (Tyndall Centre for Climate Change, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, England)

  • Dave Huitema

    (Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University, Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, and School of Sciences, Netherlands Open University, PO Box 2960, 6401DL Heerlen, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Despite the fact that mainstreaming of climate change into existing EU sectoral policies is a key aim, empirical knowledge of how it works in practice remains scarce. With this paper we explore the degree to which climate considerations are taken into account in the implementation of one of the most influential pieces of European water legislation, the Water Framework Directive and, more importantly, we assess possible explanations for the geographical variability in levels of mainstreaming observed. Our empirical research is based on an analysis of both EU and local policy documents, as well as more than forty in-depth interviews, and shows that, for various reasons, the degree of mainstreaming that has taken place differs widely. We conclude that timely incentives and clear guidance will be necessary to ensure progress is made by all, but that a residual fear that the adaptation agenda is open to abuse by those seeking to rationalise failures to fully implement the Water Framework Directive has put a brake on the mainstreaming agenda.

Suggested Citation

  • Stijn Brouwer & Tim Rayner & Dave Huitema, 2013. "Mainstreaming Climate Policy: The Case of Climate Adaptation and the Implementation of EU Water Policy," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 31(1), pages 134-153, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:31:y:2013:i:1:p:134-153
    DOI: 10.1068/c11134
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mark Pollack & Emilie Hafner-Burton, 2010. "Mainstreaming international governance: The environment, gender, and IO performance in the European Union," The Review of International Organizations, Springer, vol. 5(3), pages 285-313, September.
    2. Maria Kaika, 2003. "The Water Framework Directive: A New Directive for a Changing Social, Political and Economic European Framework," European Planning Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(3), pages 299-316.
    3. Blomquist, William & Tonderski, Andrzej & Dinar, Ariel, 2005. "Institutional and policy analysis of river basin management: the Warta River Basin, Poland," Policy Research Working Paper Series 3528, The World Bank.
    4. Rob Swart & Frank Raes, 2007. "Making integration of adaptation and mitigation work: mainstreaming into sustainable development policies?," Climate Policy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 7(4), pages 288-303, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Fabio Zagonari, 2018. "Coherence, Causality, and Effectiveness of the EU Environmental Policy System: Results of Complementary Statistical and Econometric Analyses," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 70(1), pages 1-29, May.
    2. Rodrigo Maia, 2017. "The WFD Implementation in the European Member States," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 31(10), pages 3043-3060, August.

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