SIX YEARS FROM THE FIRST DRAFT, WITH DECREE N. 434 OF 21 DECEMBER 2023, THE MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY SECURITY (MASE) APPROVED THE PNACCOR THE NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION PLAN. He cheers, but not too much FAI, ITALIAN ENVIRONMENT FUND
The need for this measure is evident. Extreme climate events, which are becoming increasingly violent and frequent, such as torrential rains, strong winds, droughts and floods, are also occurring with greater intensity in our country, which is considered a climate hotspot.
«This tool – clarifies the vice president FAI Maurizio Rivolta -, it should be the reference point for many other public project and investment plans, in the sense that it should also serve to evaluate them precisely in the light of the indications provided by the plan. As an example, consider the important resources deployed in many Alpine and even Apennine regions for ski lifts and especially for artificial snow in areas and altitudes where climatic changes mainly emphasize a rise in temperature during much of the winter season. almost certainly destroying the investment itself, even before the landscape is irreversibly changed. The adaptation plan must therefore also take into account changed environmental and climatic conditions and consequently reconsider projects that could have worked decades ago but no longer work today.”
FAI: serious damage to the Fund’s assets
In the past year alone, the FAI has recorded serious damage to many of its assets. In May, exceptional storms, accompanied by very strong winds and unprecedented hailstorms, damaged the garden Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como. In June the Bosco di San Francesco in Umbria was severely affectedflood of the Tescio torrent. In July, tornadoes hit the Veneto region Villa of the Bishops, while a violent storm caused damage Villa Necchi Campiglio in Milan.
A tool to reduce the risks arising from climate change
The main purpose of the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PNACC) is to provide a framework and tool for taking action to reduce risks arising from climate change and improve the adaptive capacity of socio-economic and natural systems. Because these changes have cross-cutting impacts on ecosystems, populations and human activities, adaptation actions must be cross-cutting. That is, based on solid scientific foundations and supported by an efficient administrative structure, involving all sectors and skills. Unfortunately, such conditions are not always present in the national context.
The main document of the PNACC provides a legal and climate framework for the measure. It maps environmentally critical issues and the consequences of climate change at a national level. The text also lists 361 measures to make various sectors more resilient, including water resources, agriculture, energy, forests, urban settlements, transport and others.
The plan ranges from improving knowledge and training programs on traditional construction techniques to continuously monitoring materials and their degradation. Tax incentives are also discussed for the maintenance and protection of heritage and the restoration of techniques and practices associated with traditional rural landscapes.
The national observatory to identify territorial priorities
At the administrative level, the plan provides for the creation of a national observatory to identify territorial priorities and monitor the effectiveness of adaptation actions. It provides a forum for discussion across issues and at all levels, to ensure the involvement of civil society in the implementation of public policies.
Once the Observatory is established, the various regional and municipal authorities will have to draw up strategies and adaptation plans. They will need to identify the appropriate measures for each sector, as well as the structure responsible for implementation.
Looking for financing
Regarding the financial aspect, the PNACC does not have its own resources. Individual governments are therefore expected to seek financing through direct and indirect funds to implement adaptation measures. It is essential to evaluate whether the investments targeted by the PNRR and other instruments can contribute to the implementation of the Plan and ensure that policies to combat and adapt to the climate crisis are a priority in future budget laws.
“However, to implement all adaptation measures, adequate economic resources are needed, but these are precisely the main shortcomings in the Plan,” it’s in the note. “Commodities that should be priorities instead, given the scale and consequences of the climate crisis we are experiencing.”
The action of the FAI
The FAI will identify, based on the most authoritative scientific sources, the most vulnerable areas and potential climate risks to its assets, implement preventive actions and measures to protect the historical-cultural heritage and landscape, making them more resilient in the face of the consequences of climate change.
“The FAI is also working to develop a climate change adaptation plan to implement the resilience of its assets and create increasingly detailed risk mapping of the areas in which they are located.”