About us

July 2021. Belgium suffered the most devastating floods of its modern history. 39 people dead, more than 100,000 citizens affected and a total estimated cost — including both direct and indirect damages — of 5.2 billion euros, according to the full report by the Special Commissioner for Reconstruction.

As the damage became clear so did the urgency for more proactive measures to better understand, anticipate, and adapt to climate change consequences.

20 October 2021. In response to this disaster and in light of the multiplication of climate and environment hazards, the Council of Ministers decided to create a new independent center Cerac (Climate Risk Assessment Center).

16 January 2025: Cerac is legally anchored through the publication of a Royal Decree concerning the establishment of the center.

This center is dedicated to the analysis of climate and environment risks in the middle and long term, with a focus on Belgium’s national security and resilience.

This focus on security and resilience was further reinforced in December 2021 with the publication of Belgium’s first National Security Strategy. The release identified the preservation of our natural environment as one of Belgium’s vital interests, especially in relation to climate change and biodiversity loss.

Cerac aims at creating a future where Belgian citizens, territory and society are safer and more resilient to climate and environment risks.

Evaluate risks

We produce independent risk assessments to evaluate Belgium’s exposure and vulnerability to climate and environment hazards in the middle and long term.

Therefore we coordinate and synthesize research and expertise from different stakeholders including government institutions and academics. The Center links these analyses to all aspects of the policies pursued.

Provide information and recommendations

Based on those risk assessments, we provide Belgian policymakers with relevant information and recommendations. This can help them develop policies to anticipate and adapt to climate and environment risks.

We report primarily to the National Security Council, with a focus on risks for national security and resilience, and other Federal authorities. Our reports and recommendations will also be available to regional and local policymakers, citizens and other stakeholders.

Given the global nature of climate change, we emphasize the importance of international cooperation within frameworks and international treaties where Belgium is obliged to (UN, EU, NATO, Benelux Union,. ..). Examples are the EU Green Deal and the UN Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction.

Cerac highly values the interaction with similar centers in Europe and beyond to exchange best practices and learn lessons. These centers are slightly different though, because in most cases they do not yet assess other planetary boundaries, nor directly advise their National Security council.

Cerac’s work program was developed through extensive consultation with multiple stakeholders and advised and approved by the CERAC Steering committee and the CCIV/CCRS(Coordination Committee for Intelligence and Security).

This program provides strategic direction, planning and action while ensuring transparency, and fostering strong engagement from all partners. Together, we aim to build a resilient society, ready to face tomorrow’s challenges.

Our work program can be found here