(^238) Conclusions: A Climate for Change – Findings and Recommendations Human Development Report - Croatia 2008
tor less vulnerable to climate variability and/or
climate change. Future adaptation or mitigation
measures must also take into account the needs
of stakeholders and Croatia’s technological and
economic capacity for change.
- A proactive position towards public involve-
ment: Though the public seldom see themselves
as responsible for climate change, public involve-
ment and an understanding of climate change is
absolutely critical to ensuring that emissions are re-
duced in a cost-effective way and that current and
future climate risks are addressed. More education
and fact-based public discussion is needed to edu-
cate Croatians of all ages on the effects of climate
change and the steps the Government is taking
now and in the future. The mass media is the
best avenue for this, though the education sys-
tem should also include topics related to climate
change.
As a country that has emerged from the turbulent
decade of the 1990s with very bright economic and
social prospects and with a strong concern for the
environment, Croatia is prepared to move forward
as a regional leader in addressing future climate
change, by reducing emissions and minimising
climate-related risks to human development. The
Croatian public is both concerned and willing to
act. Croatian institutions have the political will to
avoid the worst damages from climate change by
taking on the responsibility of reducing emissions.
The Croatian scientific and research community has
the potential to be a regional leader in understand-
ing and addressing climate risks. The next several
decades are critical for the development of meth-
odologies which will help alleviate the dire impacts
of global climate change and also protect Croatia
from climate-related damages. Croatia is ready to
take on this challenge.