The European Union has financed research on climate change since the 1980s. The 6th Research and Development Framework Programme (RDFP) spent more than €2 billion during the period 2002-2006 on research projects dealing directly or indirectly with the problem. Under the 7th RDFP (2007-2013), financing for climate research soared to €9 billion. That amount breaks down as follows: environment €1.89 billion; energy €2.35 billion; transport €4.16 billion; and global monitoring for environment and security €1.43 billion.

The environment programme has seven thematic priorities: 1. climate processes, observations and forecasts; 2. greenhouse gases; 3. climate interactions with stratospheric ozone; 4. climate interactions with changes in the composition of the atmosphere; 5. impacts of climate change; 6. climate projects related to natural disasters and extreme events, and 7. adaptation, mitigation and climate change policies.

COLLABORATION BY 60 COUNTRIES

One certainty mid-way through the 7th RDFP (2007-2013) is that international climate research needs to be encouraged and advanced through the participation of all continents. “The global dimension of the problem and the need to improve our understanding of the processes, impacts and the mitigation and adaptation strategies required has resulted in a large number of international collaborative research efforts, in which Europe has played – and continues to play – a leading role,” states the Commission’s DG Research portal. In the run-up to the Copenhagen conference, the Commission has published a document, ‘Research on climate change’, that spotlights 134 projects (which it has financed to the tune of €543 million) ⁽¹⁾.

IMPLEMENTATION

Funded under the 6th and 7th RDFP, the projects are being implemented in cooperation with non-EU research institutes from nearly 60 countries. Redd-Alert, for instance, started in May 2009, aims to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation through alternative management of tropical forests. It is a collaborative project involving EU institutes (from the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany) and partners from Vietnam, Colombia, Cameroon, Kenya, Indonesia, Peru and Nigeria.

CO2SOLSTOCK

April 2009 saw the launch of the CO2SolStock research programme on carbon capture. With two-thirds of its funding provided by the European Commission (€2.3 million), this three-year programme proposes an alternative approach based on biology. The aim is to analyse the feasibility of a new technology that uses bacteria to capture carbon dioxide released from the combustion of fossil fuels. “The project is ambitious and combines extensive research in existing scientific literature, laboratory experiments and the definition of analysis and testing protocols,” notes the consortium implementing the programme, made up of four universities (Edinburgh, Granada, Lausanne and Delft) and a Belgian SME.

GLOBAL FRAMEWORK

Apart from these projects limited in time and to very specific objectives, the Commission pledged at the Third World Climate Conference to provide political support to the new global framework for climate services. The idea is to set up a global framework to enhance climate observation and the modelling of programmes worldwide. The framework aims to provide improved climate data and relevant projections for users. Emphasis is expected to be placed on climate modelling and long-term forecasts. “The availability of climate information, instruments, methods and models that are recognised globally is a fundamental element,” Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik told the conference.

Further information on the 134 projects is available at ec.europa.eu/research/environment/pdf/cop-15.pdf

Under the 7th RDFP (2007-2013), financing for climate research soared to €9 billion

Background

The environment theme of the 7th RDFP (2007-2013) provides support for projects that analyse natural and human pressure on the environment and the climate with a view to improving mankind’s understanding of the climate system. This objective follows on from work already carried out under the 6th RDFP. The findings of some of the earlier work, including research on carbon sinks and stratospheric ozone, have created concerns particularly on acidification of the oceans and possible changes to thermohaline circulation.

The 7th RDFP identifies six areas of research:

1. Earth system and climate and related abrupt changes

2. Natural and anthropogenic emissions

3. Global carbon cycle: greenhouse gas budgets

4. Future climate

5. Natural, social and economic impacts of climate change

6. Response strategies: adaptation, mitigation and policies

⁽¹⁾ The document is available at ec.europa.eu/research/environment/pdf/cop-15.pdf