Today, it is accepted socially and politically that climate adaptation is a policy problem. Flanders is also asking itself how the impact of climate change can be limited in the future. The complexity and uncertainty about the impact of climate change should not prevent Flanders from taking action, but it does present challenges for Flemish policymakers.
Commissioned by MIRA, the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences of Antwerp University examined how Flanders is dealing with the problem of climate adaptation. Is Flanders acting? Which factors are stimulating and which factors are inhibiting? The report formulates recommendations for the further implementation of an adaptation policy in Flanders:

The economic cost of climate adaptation must be mapped out, as well as the cost of 'doing nothing'.
Climate change is not a matter for the Flemish Government alone. Private actors and other policy levels must play their part. Active involvement of these actors must lead to concrete engagement agreements and harmonisation of initiatives.
The Climate Adaptation Plan is only a first step towards a coherent Flemish policy strategy with actions and measures. Even after its publication in 2012, the Flemish Adaptation Steering Group, which brings all policy areas around the table, can be an essential instrument to further align sectoral policy plans. A condition is that all relevant policy areas actively participate.
The Flemish government must invest in communication on climate adaptation to the general public, but must avoid conflicting messages.
The early nature of this policy process implies that Flanders must focus on 'learning'. Learning networks can serve to exchange experiences. Moreover, there must be room for evaluation of policy initiatives.
The Flemish government organised a conference on climate adaptation in Antwerp Zoo on 26 May. MIRA presented 'Climate scenarios for Flanders and impact on water management'.