Enabling cross-sectoral transformation for coastal climate adaptation in Europe: Four directions for interdisciplinary efforts

Coastal areas in Europe are of immense value – not only to their residents but also to communities further inland. At the same time, they are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The current pace of coastal climate adaptation remains slow, constrained by underfunding and the fragmented, sectoral nature of many initiatives. This calls for radically new yet practical approaches. In this perspective, a group of European researchers from diverse disciplines explores what cross-sectoral transformation could mean in the context of coastal climate adaptation. Drawing on expertise in environmental science, spatial planning, law, ecology, health, and tourism, we propose four directions for interdisciplinary research to enable such transformation: (1) developing dynamic and holistic understandings of climate impacts and adaptation responses; (2) establishing shared adaptation objectives and priorities across sectors; (3) promoting ecosystem-based development; and (4) adapting legal and institutional systems to support integration and flexibility. We invite scholars and practitioners to engage with these interdependent directions to advance adaptation efforts for European coasts.