Study – The cost of climate change on all families and households in the EU

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is planning to launch a procurement procedure for a study on "The cost of climate change on all families and households in the EU".

This announcement is made pursuant to Annex I.14 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, to award a low value contract as a result of a negotiated procedure. It is published ahead of the procurement procedure with basic information on the subject matter of the contract to give interested economic operators the possibility to express their interest in participating as a tenderer in the subsequent procurement procedure.

All economic operators established in the European Union, European Economic Area and countries with a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, with proven experience in conducting studies on related topics, may express their interest in participating.

DESCRIPTION (indicative)

Background and purpose:

This study is launched against the backdrop of the increases in extreme weather and climate events, such as heat, cold, severe floods, fires, droughts and hurricanes, and the recent steep increases in energy prices. The aim is to look at the resilience of families and households in relation to these events and circumstances, which are likely to increase in the future. In doing so, this study should contribute to a better understanding of what is needed to deliver a "just transition", which leaves nobody behind.

As outlined by the IPCC, "it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land." "Climate change", the report continues "is already affecting every inhabited region across the globe with human influence contributing to many observed changes in weather and climate extremes"[1].

Against this background, this study should examine the economic and social implications that families and households in the European Union will face in adapting to climate change. It will take into account changes in household income and expenditure caused by the necessity to prepare for and adapt to: incremental changes of temperatures, weather and climate extremes and by EU policy measures designed to mitigate climate change and its effects on households and families. It will focus on different climate scenarios in the medium and longer term.

Main requirements:

The expected output of the study is a comparative analysis of the possible evolution of expenditures which households[2] will face to adapt to the implications of climate change, taking into account various climate scenarios.

The potential contractor will be expected to:

  1. Create a classification of potential risks, taking into account, amongst other things:
  1. the direct effects on the cost of living (e.g. food security, energy prices, water, etc.), both as a result of changing temperatures and as a result of emission mitigation policies;
  2. the long term costs related to the adaptation to temperature changes and increased risks of weather extremes (e.g. housing (insulation, insurance, security, maintenance, repair), shift in transport modes, etc.).
  1. Translate these risks into potential costs for households and families in different time-frames and with the regard to different warming scenarios (e.g. low-emission, moderate or severe emission pathways). Details will follow in the invitation to tender.

To achieve this, the potential contractor should isolate different kinds of households to be used throughout the study for more detailed analysis and illustration (e.g. rural households).

On the basis of these results, the study should draw conclusions on the severity of the changes in household expenditure, their impact on different kinds of households and whether they are likely to increase poverty rates. Moreover, the study should provide information on the state of the preparedness of EU households for the consequences and implications of climate change. Depending on the timeline of the study and EU legislative proposals, the authors may be expected to comment on individual policy measures.

Languages/geographical area (indicative)

The study should be carried out in English. The aim of the study will be to draw conclusions on European trends. This may, however, be achieved on the basis of a limited number of case studies (approximately 5-6 EU Member States).

Indicative timeline

  1. Launch of the invitation to tender: 1st quarter 2022.
  2. Contract award: 2nd quarter 2022.
  3. The final study report is expected within 7 months following the signature of the contract.
  4. Deadline for submission of tenders: approximately 1st quarter 2022.

DISCLAIMER

Please note that this announcement does not create any obligation for the EESC to launch a procurement procedure. The EESC will take the submitted information into account only to identify potential candidates. Expressing interest in participating in a negotiated procedure of this type does not create any legal right or legitimate expectation on the part of any economic operator, and the EESC has the right to cancel the procedure at any time. The procurement documents will only be provided to the identified candidates, and any tender received from a legal or natural person not invited to tender will be rejected.

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Contact

Expressions of interest to participate should be sent via the following contact form, before the deadline indicated below:

Deadline

Tuesday, February 22, 2022 - 22:59