ALM UNDP

Summary:

Key Vulnerabilities

• Water Resources
• Agriculture
• Forestry

Potential Adaptation Measures

In order to tackle the increasing risk stemming from global climate change, and to support the improvement of the domestic climate policy the Ministry of Environment and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences launched a common research programme titled VAHAVA - 'VAltozas-HAtas- VAlaszadas' (change-impact-response). The domestic effects of global climate change, and the answers to be given to the challenge in 2003. Primary aims of the three year project were the preparation to the potential negative and positive effects of climate change, harm reduction, prevention and advancement of restoration and with creation of a large scale synthesis of the various Hungarian climate related research projects. Methodological characteristics of the project was the complex system synthesis, interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral approach, and wide range partnership. The program is not only addressing adaptation, but also energy saving, efficiency, renewables and sustainability. It takes into consideration results from the relevant international research, the National Research Programmes, the National Environmental Programme, the National Environmental- Health Action Programme, and some published results in the domestic literature. The VAHAVA initiative can use its professional and financial background to support running scientific work that is associated with the program. Within the framework of the program the following activities were realized:

• 20 conferences on specific topics with some 80- 100 participants each;
• In the AGRO-21 journal 16 issues were dealing with the issues of the program which meant 162 articles from 275 authors;
• 46 expert studies;
• 5 issues of a specific VAHAVA newsletter;
• a three part documentary film.

The final report from the project will be published in the spring of 2006. It will summarise the unfavourable effects of varying frequency and intensity meteorological events from global climate change; the main elements of the national strategy on adaptation to climate change (preparation, mitigation, harm reduction, restoration) and it will suggest measures for the future to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The most important recommendation of VAHAVA project is that the Hungarian Parliament should enact a decree on long-term greenhouse gas emission reduction and adaptation in the frame of a National Climate Change Strategy, including the National Drought Strategy. This strategy is to be harmonised with international commitments, integrates into existing development plans and concepts, and forms priorities, defines the role and responsibility of the Government in execution, evaluation and monitoring of progress.

The Hungarian Meteorological Service prepared studies on drought impacts including 'climatological water deficit' and makes the methodology and a calculation software available for the public.