The group’s call for action was influenced by growing recognition of the need to prepare for the effects of climate change, as well as developments at the EU level such as the Green Paper on Adaptation, and international moves such as negotiations related to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The development of a national strategy was included in the Austrian government programme for 2008-13. The scientific community intensively supported the creation of the strategy with projects to develop improved climate projections and better understand impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptation. In recognition of the cross-cutting nature of adaptation policies, the development of the strategy entailed a wide-ranging process of stakeholder engagement and consultation.