Towards local adaptation by unlocking the potential climate value of municipal data

The impacts of climate change vary considerably from one region to another according to different physical, environmental, social, cultural and economic characteristics, resulting in different sensitivities to climate change. Therefore, adaptation measures need to be implemented at the local level to be effective in reducing risks and vulnerabilities.

Adaptation measures need to consider both local and global drivers of resilience to compounded risks and potential cascading effects of climate change. Relevant climate information is a prerequisite for anticipating climate change, reducing uncertainty and assessing risks to biodiversity, people and infrastructure at regional and local scales, as well as for planning adaptation measures, piloting territorial transitions and evaluating the effectiveness of these measures.
However, climate information alone is not sufficient to provide a full understanding of how climate risks are experienced locally and what solutions and strategies need to be developed to manage these risks.

Local governments manage large amounts of non-climate data, such as socio-economic, demographic, land use and earth observation data. Combined with climate data, these datasets are crucial for a comprehensive characterisation of climate risks and vulnerabilities at the local level. In VALORADA, we propose that existing demographic, territorial, economic, social and earth observation data have ‘potential climate value’. For example, demographic and geospatial data collected by local governments and hospitals – covering aspects such as age distribution, health status, place of residence and income levels – can be instrumental in understanding populations in urban areas affected by extreme heat or flooding. This helps to create detailed, context-specific socio-climatic profiles to inform decision-making processes. Nevertheless, in order to unlock the potential climate value of these datasets and ensure that they provide decision-useful information to local and regional policy makers, it is essential to clarify how data climate value is understood, defined and translated into actionable inputs for public sector decision making. It also requires overcoming barriers such as:

1. lack of collaboration between different stakeholders across different sectors;
2. siloed data management practices;
3. insufficient awareness of how data can contextualise climate risks;
4. poor data governance practices;
5. limited administrative capacity.

At VALORADA, we are working to unlock the climate value of socio-economic, demographic, land use and earth observation data. Our approach integrates two main strategies. First, we systematically analyse local socio-climatic risks and identify both the data available, and the data needed to characterise these risks. To support local governments, we are co-developing prototype data processing and manipulation tools that facilitate integrated analyses of climatic and non-climatic data.

The challenge is to promote such analysis using data already available to local governments. To address this, we are exploring different data sources and repositories within our demonstration regions, each containing different data types, formats, and spatial and temporal resolutions.

Second, to fully realise the climate value of socio-economic, demographic, land use and earth observation datasets, value parameters need to be defined. As the value of data is not intrinsic to the dataset, but depends on how users interpret and apply it, measuring its value in supporting adaptation planning and policy can be challenging. To address this, we are developing a Valorisation and Valuation Framework to provide a conceptual structure for assessing the climate value of municipal data. This framework aims to highlight the value of data, improve valorisation efforts (transforming data into actionable knowledge), and increase the uptake of data that is essential for reducing climate risks.

Finally, at VALORADA, we have allocated a full year to thoroughly test the usefulness and usability of our tools and methods. We will conduct various activities with our demonstration regions to assess both the barriers and opportunities for adopting our methodologies, thereby evaluating the legacy of our project. By testing our approach across five demonstration sites in Europe, we aim to derive generalizable recommendations that local governments can apply to enhance data governance to better support climate adaptation efforts.

You can download the opinion article here.

Jornadas de difusión, sensibilización y aprendizaje

La Subdirección General de Vivienda y Arquitectura de la Consejería de Fomento e Infraestructuras de Murcia tiene el placer de organizar jornadas de difusión, sensibilización y aprendizaje sobre la adaptación al cambio climático con el soporte del proyecto europeo REGILIENCE.  

Estas jornadas de formación se desarrollaran en tres días y están dirigidas a los profesionales de los 45 municipios de la Región de Murcia. En ellas abordaremos las soluciones sobre revegetación, las distintas alternativas al drenaje tradicional y los tipos de  soluciones basadas en la naturaleza que se pueden aplicar en los espacios urbanos.

Los objetivos serán adquirir conocimiento sobre las alternativas a los modelos tradicionales para dar solución a la creación de espacios urbanos, revegetados, con SUDS Y SBNS y  poder establecer contacto y conocer que se está haciendo en cada municipio, intercambiando información y estableciendo intereses comunes.

Se expondrán buenas prácticas llevadas a cabo en nuestra región que refuercen los contenidos teóricos de los cursos a través de paneles explicativos y con las presentaciones en las acciones estructurales que permitirán reconocer estas nuevas maneras de actuar y así transmitir a los asistentes la importancia decisiva de empezar inmediatamente a aplicarlas.

Es fundamental abordar la creación de los espacios públicos urbanos desde un punto de vista global en la ciudad, para que los planes urbanos de las zonas urbanizadas y a urbanizar tengan estrategias que permitan gestionar in situ las escorrentías generadas, reduciendo el impacto del proceso de urbanización en el ciclo integral del agua. Para ello la colaboración entre instituciones y entidades municipales es clave.

Solo a través de una mayor concienciación y comprensión de los beneficios de los espacios verdes urbanos como posibilidad para tener comunidades mejores y más sanas podremos  elevar la sostenibilidad urbana y mejorar tanto el entorno humano como el ambiental, mejorando así la relación entre las personas y su entorno urbano.

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PROGRAMA

Días:

30/10/2024, 6/11/2024 y 13/11/2024 de las 8:30 hasta las 14:30.

Lugar:

Consejería de Obras Públicas. Antesala salón de actos. Pl. de Santoña, 6, 30006 Murcia, Spain

AGENDA

Día: 30/10/2024. Introducción y revegetación de espacios urbanos

Revegetar consiste en establecer la vegetación artificialmente con las plantas adecuadas en un terreno adecuado, utilizando las técnicas más adecuadas en cada caso.

08:30 Acreditaciones

09:00 Bienvenida

Directora General de Vivienda y Arquitectura. (María DoloresGil García)

09:15 Objetivos de los «Proyectos de Regiliencia». Presentación y objetivos del taller

Servicio de Arquitectura

09:25 Dinámica: Presentaciones grupos de 4 (rotativos)

10:00 Sostenibilidad urbana, revegetación de espacios urbanos… (TBD)

      ( PONENTE REGILIENCE)

11:00 Pausa del desayuno. Espacio para intercambio de contactos y colaboración

11:30 Pasar a la acción y aplicación práctica, Casos de éxito. Ayuntamiento de Cieza.

– Mantenimiento y  pliegos

( MIGUEL ÁNGEL PIÑERA SALMERÓN, Cieza)

13:30 Catálogo de  árboles CARM. APP

    ( Servicio de arquitectura)

14:30 Próximos pasos y cierre. Fin del taller.

Gracias

 

Día: 06/11/2024. Soluciones basadas en la naturaleza en espacios urbanos. SBN

Las soluciones basadas en la naturaleza son actuaciones que utilizan la naturaleza y los procesos naturales para ofrecer infraestructura, servicios y soluciones inclusivos para enfrentar el creciente desafío de la resiliencia urbana.

 08:30 Acreditaciones

09:00 Bienvenida

09:10 Introducción a las soluciones constructivas de las SBN. Principales tipos de SBN.

           Aplicación y ejemplos. Eficiencia en los Jardines verticales y cubiertas verdes.

     (UPCT Fernando Miguel García Martín y Jesús Ochoa)

11:30 Pausa del desayuno. Espacio para intercambio de contactos y colaboración

12:00 Pasar a la acción y aplicación práctica, Casos de éxito. Ayuntamiento de Lorquí

 ( Luis Bernardeau Esteller)

13:30 Aplicación práctica de SBN. Participación en grupos, Conclusiones de lo aprendido.

     (UPCT Fernando Miguel García Martín)

14:30 Próximos pasos y cierre. Fin del taller.

Gracias

 Día: 13/11/2024. Sistemas de drenaje sostenibles. SUD

Los SUD son elementos constructivos para gestionar el agua de lluvia, prevenir su contaminación o reducir la generación de escorrentía. Entre ellos se encuentran: Suelos permeables, elementos de tratamiento de aguas de escorrentía y cubiertas vegetadas

08:30 Acreditaciones

09:00 Bienvenida

09:10 Introducción a las soluciones constructivas de SUD. Principales tipos de SUDS

           (Green Blue Management. Sara Perales)

11:30 Pausa del desayuno. Espacio para intercambio de contactos y colaboración

12:00 Pasar a la acción y aplicación práctica, casos de éxito. Ayuntamiento de Torrepacheco

    (CETENMA)

13:30 Aplicación práctica de SUD. Participación en grupos, Conclusiones de lo aprendido.

    (CETENMA)

14:30 Próximos pasos y cierre. Fin del taller.

Gracias

CON EL APOYO DE REGILIENCE

REGILIENCE es un proyecto europeo cuyo objetivo es compartir las soluciones de adaptación intersectoriales más prometedoras y ayudar a las ciudades y regiones de toda Europa a ser más resistentes al cambio climático.

El proyecto desarrolla, recopila, comparte y promueve herramientas y conocimientos científicos para ayudar a las regiones europeas a identificar y abordar sus riesgos relacionados con el clima. Trabajemos en estrecha colaboración con proyectos afines, como ARSINOE, IMPETUS y TransformAr, para mejorar la capacidad de 7 regiones prioritarias para hacer frente a los impactos inevitables del cambio climático.

Los objetivos y la visión del proyecto REGILIENCE coinciden con los de la misión “Adaptación al cambio climático” de Green Deal y Horizonte Europa. El proyecto llega en un momento en que las regiones vulnerables son las que más apoyo necesitan para mitigar los efectos del cambio climático y adaptarse al futuro.

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Why is EU water policy essential, but insufficient, to achieve climate resilience?

Making Europe climate resilient is a bold and important ambition. Whether or when we become climate resilient is directly related to the success of the implementation of the EU water policy. Climate change adaptation is largely water management, i.e. coping with, and being prepared for too much, too little and too dirty water.

EU water policy in a nutshell 

EU water legislation is more than 30 years old. The first set of water directives aimed to improve water quality. Waste water was then barely treated, many rivers were like an open sewer and drinking water from the tap was not safe to consume. The Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive and the Nitrates Directive have been in place since 1991. The Drinking Water Directive was first adopted in 1980. A turning point came in 2000 with the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Until the WFD, the water legislation was dispersed and often focused on one aspect (e.g. wastewater, drinking water). 
Under the WFD, an integrated river basin scale approach is required, with the main aim of reaching the so-called ‘good status of water bodies’. More than 100,000 water bodies have been delineated in Europe. Rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal waters and groundwater are broken down and assigned as water bodies. In analogy with the human body, a good status means a healthy water body. Healthy in EU policy terms means clean and safe water, natural environment, good aquatic life.

The WFD allows authorities to focus the efforts on the actions that improve water status the most at the least cost. If that is agriculture, target agriculture. If the same result can be achieved at a lower cost, by targeting industrial emissions, household waste-water or nature restoration, prioritise that. All actions to improve water body status are bundled in so-called River Basin Management Plans (RBMP’s). 

Another batch of EU water policy came into force around 2006-2008. The Groundwater Directive further detailed the requirements of the WFD on groundwater. The Floods Directive (FD) asks for flood risk management. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) aims for healthy seas and oceans, whereas the Environmental Quality Standards Directive (EQS) is concerned with controlling hazardous substances, termed ‘priority substances’. These new directives also brought a new planning and reporting requirement: Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) and MSFD’s Programme of Measures. Groundwater measures are to be integrated into the RBMPs. For water scarcity and drought, there is no legislation on its own.

It has been implicitly assumed that water scarcity and drought are covered by the WFD and the Groundwater Directive, and thus be included in the RBMP’s. Several Member States have developed Drought Risk Management Plans (DRMP), either as standalone reports or integrated into the RBMPs. Any measure taken under the WFD, FD and MSFD is to consider the impact of climate change and thus implicitly ensure climate adaptation. Recent revisions on EU water legislation have targeted water quality supporting the European Green Deal’s ambition for zero pollution for air, water and soil. The idea of an EU Water Resilience Initiative, as the overarching initiative to manage climate adaptation, flood, water scarcity and drought, has been raised before the 2024 European elections. A lot more water legislation exists, and nuances can be made. Yet, the above is a crash course on EU water policy.

Is the EU Water policy a success? 

A simple answer is not straightforward. The set of legislation, also called the ‘acquis’, is wide-ranging. My answer is thus focused on the success of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Floods Directive (FD), the water Directives that most directly relate to climate change adaptation. The WFD is furthermore generally seen as the One Directive, that governs all EU water policy. In addition, a Fitness check was done in 2020 for the WFD and FD, which provides the answer to this question in hundreds of pages, based on a broad stakeholder consultation and review process. The below answer is a combination of my own opinion and the findings from the Fitness Check.

Without a doubt, it can be stated that the WFD has been transformational, in particular in terms of the governance setup. The requirement to work on a common and integrated goal, i.e. good water status, resulted in better cooperation between Member States by jointly gathering the needed knowledge, harmonising aquatic monitoring and assessment frameworks, working at river basin scale, and across borders on River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs). Stakeholder consultation, a legal requirement in both Directives, has become a common practice in developing water related plans.

The ‘Fitness check’ showed that the WFD has led to a higher level of protection for water bodies than could have been expected without them. Yet, the WFD’s implementation has been significantly delayed and less than half of the EU’s water bodies are in good status, even though the deadline for achieving good status for all water bodies was 2015. The fact that the WFD’s objectives have not been reached fully is, according to the Fitness check, not due to a deficiency in the legislation, but largely related to insufficient funding, slow implementation and actions from other sectors that undermine the success of WFD.

Slow implementation is partly related to the lack of financial resources. The measures proposed by Member States, and included in the RBMPs, are often determined by what can be delivered with the budgets and policies already in place, rather than adding new measures, and new budgets. A reduced belief that the WFD goals are possible in the local context, and administrative complexities to get water projects implemented also contribute to a slow implementation. The need for land and required permits to implement measures e.g. water retention measures or ‘room for the river’ projects, are typically named as important reasons, sometimes even excuses, for not progressing much in achieving good status.

The EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) e.g. has not much been influenced by the needs for good water management. Little progress, and depending on the region, even degradation, is seen in water retention on agricultural land, despite the need for good water management in agriculture.
The existence of the European agri-environment schemes, under the CAP, has not substantially resulted in better land and water management. The new eco-schemes are expected to reward European farmers for taking climate action.

The WFD, currently in its 2nd implementation cycle, has resulted in an EU-wide development of flood risk assessments, public online flood risk maps and agreed Flood Risk Management Plans. It is yet too early to draw conclusions on whether flood risk has been reduced as a consequence of the implementation of the FD. The first implementation cycle only started in 2016, eight years after the Floods Directive came into force. Drought risk management has not received much attention at the EU over the last 10 years. After the 2012 Blueprint, a decade of dormancy followed. Initiative on drought risk management was left to the individual Member States. The 2023 stock-taking on drought policies, planning and management showed that two-third (19 out of 27) of the EU Member States did take action on their own, and regulated drought risk management by legislation. The 2023 European drought risk atlas also revamped the need to assess the impact of drought risk.

Is progress on EU water policy sufficient for climate change adaptation?

EU water policy is without question essential for achieving climate change adaptation. Yet, the aim to become climate resilient by 2030 is undermined by the slow progress on the WFD and FD. The difficult, but needed, governance setup on the WFD and FD also risks delays in becoming climate resilient. Measures for climate change adaptation are, similar to water management related measures, location-specific. This means that the implementation of water related climate adaptation measures needs local leadership and local cooperation of actors. Yet, the limited resources at the local level (human and financial resources), and the need to fit, and cooperate, with the national and EU level actors, make it sometimes an insolvable puzzle.

Efforts in climate change adaptation also seem to be focused largely on water quantity aspects, i.e. too much and too little water. The challenge of ‘too dirty’ water seems to be largely disconnected from the climate change adaptation challenge. Yet, the flow of untreated waste-water into water bodies, as a consequence of combined sewer overflows, is increasing.

Toxic sewer overflows kill aquatic life and degrade the river bed, while algal blooms endanger swim water quality, especially shortly after summer storms.

How can climate change adaptation be facilitated? 

Becoming climate resilient not only requires responding to the already occurring consequences of climate change, but also to pro-actively prepare the economy, ecosystem and society for the climate extremes that are ahead. Becoming climate resilient to a substantial extent depends on the effective implementation of the EU policy that is already in place. The consequences of climate change are so wide-ranging that anyone needs to contribute to make change happen. Challenges to effectively implement EU policies, in support of climate change adaptation, requires the cooperation between sectors, by aligning the goals and sharing a common vision. In case trade-offs cannot be avoided, mitigation actions have to be included in the design phase. Another recommendation is to streamline, and where possible simplify, the administrative procedures that are required to implement climate adaptation measures.

It is often an administrative nightmare, both for the applicant and the competent authority, to agree on the needed procedures and permits to implement nature-based solutions.

Land availability is mostly named as an important bottleneck to progress with flood and drought risk measures. Yet, solutions exist. If ‘room for the river projects’ can be implemented in densely populated countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands, it can be implemented anywhere. Getting the work done, nevertheless requires cooperation, and new, transformational ways of implementation. Good practices exist in Europe.

 

You can download the opinion article here.

The importance of ambition setting in climate resilience

Setting ambitious goals in climate resilience is essential, as it involves co-developing a shared vision with stakeholders, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment. This approach is especially vital for transformative adaptation, which requires substantial changes to systems and structures rather than merely addressing risk mitigation. Saoia Zorita, Senior Researcher in City, Territory, and Environment at TECNALIA Research & Innovation, highlights the significance of ambition setting in climate resilience on behalf of Pathways2Resilience.

What is the main difference between Transformative vs Incremental Adaptation?

A significant distinction in climate resilience is the difference between transformative and incremental adaptation:

  • Incremental Adaptation focuses on making gradual changes to existing systems to cope with climate impacts. While important, these changes often do not address the root causes and may have a sectoral approach.
  • Transformative Adaptation involves profound, systemic shifts that fundamentally alter how regions and communities function. This type of adaptation tends to be systemic in nature, addressing vulnerabilities and incorporating new and long-term resilience thinking against climate change.

Fundamentals of Setting Climate Adaptation Ambition and Goals

Setting ambitious climate adaptation goals requires a robust framework built on several key fundamentals to ensure that adaptation strategies are comprehensive, inclusive, and effective:

  • Knowledge on Climatic and Non-Climatic Information: Availability of risk, impact, and cross-sectoral knowledge is crucial for understanding the system’s vulnerability and resilience. Correctly framing risks and formulating pertinent questions guide the selection of appropriate methods and tools for ambition and adaptation planning.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Involving diverse stakeholders ensures that adaptation goals reflect a broad range of perspectives and are rooted in local realities. Collective ambition, including vision setting and priority identification, fosters commitment and support for adaptation initiatives.
  • Visionary and Long-Term Planning: Developing long-term visions for adaptation requires integrated approaches that consider current challenges, trends, critical uncertainties, and implementable changes. Methodologies such as Theory of Change (ToC) and stakeholder involvement facilitate the creation of forward-looking and resilient adaptation strategies.
  • Integration with Existing Policies and Knowledge: Using existing policies, knowledge, and expertise strengthens efforts in climate adaptation and helps in setting ambitious goals from the start. By including climate adaptation in broader plans like sustainable development and resilience, stakeholders can find ways to set goals that match overall objectives. Drawing upon existing knowledge and frameworks enables the formulation of ambitious targets that garner consensus among stakeholders and effectively address the diverse challenges presented by climate change.

How does Pathways2Resilience Incorporate Ambition Setting?

Pathway2Resilience incorporates ambition setting by guiding stakeholders through key steps focused on collaboration, envisioning future scenarios, and crafting a collective vision for climate resilience. Through the exploration of potential futures, the initiative identifies critical opportunities and mechanisms for transformation, allowing stakeholders to understand the way forward resilience. By fostering a shared vision among diverse stakeholders, Pathway2Resilience ensures ownership and commitment, emphasizing meaningful participation to create a sense of collective responsibility.

To further solidify commitment, the initiative seeks high-level support and activates stakeholders, creating an enabling environment for resilience-building efforts. Through engagement, exchange, and collaboration, stakeholders forge relationships and partnerships centred on common resilience objectives. Moreover, Pathway2Resilience through its capacity building program enables stakeholders to gain insights about regional resilience contexts, risks and solutions highlighting their implications in climate resilience.

Additionally, Pathway2Resilience promotes narratives of change to outline how and why desired changes will occur, drawing on a comprehensive understanding of systems and vulnerabilities. This involves identifying underlying assumptions and indicators, engaging stakeholders to validate assumptions, and ensuring a robust framework for planning and carrying out.

Furthermore, this ambition setting can be reflected in the development of flexible adaptation pathways that consider uncertainty, thereby enhancing climate resilience. Instead of constraining individuals to a rigid trajectory, these pathways facilitate dynamic decision-making based on indicators and thresholds.

You can download the opinion article here.

Building Resilient Cities in Valencia: wrap up for EURESFO24!

From June 26 to 28, 2024, the European Urban Resilience Forum (EURESFO24), co-organized by REGILIENCE, was held in the vibrant city of Valencia, Spain. This annual event has become a cornerstone for urban resilience, attracting city leaders, climate experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Europe and beyond to collaborate on strategies for building resilient cities in the face of climate change and other urban challenges. Running in parallel with EURESFO24 was the Valencia Green Week, a significant event dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and environmental awareness. Valencia Green Week featured a series of activities, workshops, and exhibitions focused on green innovation, renewable energy, and sustainable urban development, creating a comprehensive platform for discussing and advancing urban resilience and sustainability initiatives. 

The 2024 edition of EURESFO was built around three key thematic streams and a fourth special thematic stream, each addressing crucial aspects of resilience, sustainable development and recovery. The first stream focused on multilevel governance, cooperation, and the imperative of a just transition. The second thematic stream delved into water resilience and the promotion of the Blue Economy within and beyond the Mediterranean region. The third stream aimed at enabling the transformation towards resilient, adaptive, and climate-neutral cities and regions. The fourth special stream focused on building resilience in fragile settings and bridging the gap between Humanitarian Response to Post-conflict Resilience and Recovery. 

One of the fascinating aspects was the diverse range of perspectives and approaches to resilience. From climate change adaptation to a broader view addressing various future threats, the approach varies based on the specific context and framework within which cities operate. 

Cities are accelerating their transitions toward a net zero, climate-resilient future, showcasing urgency and leadership that all levels of government must acknowledge. Achieving climate neutrality by 2030 requires a collective, all-of-society approach. Securing support from all government levels is crucial for creating inclusive, thriving cities for everyone. As host city Mayor María José Catalá Verdet highlighted, “We cannot achieve true energy transition and sustainability without considering those who have less.” Cities in Spain are leading by example, forming City Climate Contracts with national and regional stakeholders, inspiring broader efforts to garner support and speed up transitions. 

Cities also emphasized the importance of building trust and collaborating on solutions at the community level to scale up action. Valencia, Greater Manchester, and London are effectively gaining local support and delivering results by co-designing projects that address heat and flood risks, meeting the urgent needs of their communities. 

Financing climate adaptation is a significant challenge that local governments cannot meet alone. Collaboration with the wider public and private sectors is essential. Cities are adopting a holistic approach to investing in climate resilience, developing comprehensive portfolios of investment-ready projects. 

Another key takeaway was the urgent need for sustainable and resilient actions, highlighting the necessity for flexible financing, swift project implementation, and stronger public-private partnerships to meet the ambitious climate goals by 2030. The insights and strategies discussed emphasized the collective effort required to transform cities into sustainable and livable environments for all. 

 

Valencia sets the stage

Valencia, distinguished as the European Green Capital for 2024, was the perfect place for this year’s forum. The city’s commitment to sustainable development is evident in its extensive efforts to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and improve public transportation. Valencia’s network of bike lanes and pedestrian areas, along with its green spaces and urban gardens, boosts air quality and biodiversity. The city’s advanced waste management system and innovative water management strategies demonstrate a proactive approach to environmental sustainability.  


Engaging Workshops and Sessions 

The forum began with an electrifying opening plenary meeting, introducing mayors and city representatives from the Metropolitan Region of Arnhem-Nijmegen, Tallinn, Sofia, Leuven, and Heidelberg. This first session, themed “Transforming Europe Together: Mayors for Integrated Climate Action,” definitely set the tone for the event. It provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the collaborative efforts and innovative strategies these cities are implementing to integrate climate action into urban resilience planning. 

Throughout the 3 days event, a series of interactive sessions and workshops and study visits have been designed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. Topics covered included: 

  • Adaptation finance: Concrete and sustainable solutions to bridge the gap between financiers and Cities climate-neutral cities and regions; 
  • Multi-level Governance: Effective strategies for reinforcing climate resilience through multi-level governance, for regional and national adaptation efforts. 
  • Climate Adaptation and Mitigation: Innovative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate impacts. 
  • Resilient Infrastructure: Strategies for designing and maintaining infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events and other stressors. 
  • Community Engagement: Best practices for involving local communities in resilience planning and decision-making processes. 
  • Digital Resilience: Leveraging digital tools, platforms and technologies to boost urban resilience. 

Participants engaged in hands-on activities, shared experiences, and developed actionable plans tailored to their cities’ unique needs. 

 

Spotlight on “Multi-level governance: coordinating for climate adaptation” session 

REGILIENCE made a significant impact on the first day of EURESFO24 contributing to an engaging parallel session under the theme “Multi-level governance: coordinating for climate adaptation”. The session focused on multi-level governance and featured insightful contributions from: 

  • Emilia-Aline Botezan, Head of International Affairs and Foreign Investment Department at Cluj-Napoca City Hall; 

The session kicked off with a high-level panel discussion and a technical breakout session that delved into the collaboration between national and local levels, within the EU Mission for Smart and Climate-Neutral Cities. The final panel discussion examined multi-level governance from a climate adaptation perspective, exploring vertical cooperation and strategies that could be replicated in other contexts. Moderated by Erica Manuelli (Junior Officer Urban Resilience at ICLEI Europe) and Federico Aili (Associate for Knowledge and Programs at Resilient Cities Network), the session provided a dynamic platform where experts shared their impactful experiences. Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and opportunities in improving urban resilience through integrated climate action. 

Here are some of multi-level governance actions: 

  • Cluj-Napoca has developed green urban spaces to combat urban heat islands and boost biodiversity. This initiative involves collaboration at the local, national, and European Union levels. Locally, the city has created parks and green corridors. Nationally, the Romanian government provides funding and regulatory support, while the European Union contributes through programs like Horizon 2020 and the European Regional Development Fund. Collaboration with local businesses, universities, and NGOs further supports these efforts, and participation in international networks like the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy allows for the exchange of best practices. 
  • In Croatia, coastal cities such as Dubrovnik are implementing measures to protect against sea-level rise and flooding. These efforts are supported by local actions, national policies, and European Union funding. Locally, cities construct sea walls and enhance natural barriers. Nationally, the Croatian government provides regulatory frameworks and financial support, while the European Union offers funds through programs such as the European Structural and Investment Funds. Additionally, collaboration with research institutions and international networks like the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) enhances the effectiveness of these initiatives. 
  • Paris has implemented urban greening projects to combat urban heat islands and improve air quality. This involves local actions such as creating green spaces, rooftop gardens, and urban farms. Nationally, the French government supports these initiatives through regulatory frameworks and funding. At the European level, Paris benefits from EU programs and funding aimed at supporting climate adaptation projects. The city also engages with private companies, research institutions, and community organizations to drive these projects. As part of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, Paris collaborates with other major cities worldwide to share best practices and strategies for climate adaptation. 
  • In Estonia, a concrete example of multi-level governance in action is the collaboration between the Estonian government and the Union of Harju County Municipalities on climate adaptation strategies. This initiative involves regular meetings and workshops that bring together representatives from local municipalities, national government bodies, and EU programs to discuss and coordinate climate adaptation efforts.
  • Valencia hosts “Mission Fridays,” where all departments and stakeholders discuss climate adaptation strategies. This multi-level governance model involves local government departments collaborating with national bodies and EU programs. These weekly meetings facilitate cross-departmental cooperation and align local strategies with national climate policies and EU directives. Engagement with local universities, research institutions, and community organizations ensures comprehensive and integrated climate action plans. 

Key takeaways from the session included the critical need for spaces that foster multi-level collaboration and reflection, highlighting collective thinking as essential for addressing sectoral needs. Rather than specific funds, the focus should be on establishing open spaces for sharing and learning. Discussions also highlighted the unique opportunities for creation and adaptation at the local level, and the necessity of unity and collaboration, as institutions and companies cannot tackle adaptation alone. Moreover, the human implications of climate actions were stressed, with a call to consider community impacts when planning and executing strategies. 

Networking and Building Partnerships 

EURESFO is renowned for its ability to bring people together. This year’s forum provided ample opportunities for networking and partnership building. Participants connected and shared insights during breakout sessions, and explored potential collaborations during evening socials. The vibrant atmosphere of Valencia, combined with the forum’s dynamic program, facilitated meaningful exchanges and the building of lasting professional relationships.

EURESFO Marketplace 

Our stand at the EURESFO Marketplace was a great opportunity to showcase several innovative projects and platforms dedicated to climate resilience: 

  • ARSINOE is a 4-year EU-funded project aimed at creating climate-resilient regions through systemic solutions and innovations. ARSINOE combines the Systems Innovation Approach (SIA) and the Climate Innovation Window (CIW) to build an ecosystem for climate change adaptation solutions. This approach is demonstrated through nine proof-of-concept projects to showcase its applicability, replicability, potential, and efficacy. 
  • Impetus is a project dedicated to accelerating climate adaptation, Impetus employs data-driven approaches and community engagement strategies. By fostering collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and local stakeholders, Impetus develops scalable solutions that effectively address climate challenges. 
  • weADAPT is a leading platform for climate adaptation knowledge sharing, weADAPT connects a global community of practitioners, researchers, and policymakers. It facilitates the exchange of insights, tools, and resources to empower stakeholders in developing climate-resilient strategies. 
  • The Climate Innovation Window (CIW) aims to be a reference portal for innovations on climate change adaptation. It was developed under the frame of BRIGAID, a H2020 funded project and afterwards embedded in the work of the project’s spinoff, BRIGAID CONNECT Association. The CIW aims to bridge the gap between problem owners and solution providers by promoting innovations which cover a wide array of climate adaptation issues and areas. CIW is within ARSINOE’s project.

Looking Ahead 

As EURESFO 2024 drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of urgency and optimism. Participants left Valencia inspired and equipped with new ideas and strategies to implement in their cities. The forum underscored the importance of innovative solutions, collaborative action, and strong leadership in making our cities more resilient. 

While we see numerous significant and impactful initiatives at all levels, from cities to the EU, it’s clear that these efforts are insufficient. Global average temperatures have risen faster than ever, with 2023 being the warmest year on record!

Eleni (Lenio) Myrivili urged us to be bolder, to work better together, and to do more. Achieving this requires us to enhance our collaboration, and collaboration isn’t rocket science; it’s far more complex. It’s something we grasp and engage in with our minds, hearts, and hands.

Good News: the next edition will take place in Rotterdam! 

See you next year for EURESFO25! 

Pictures Gallery

Together celebrating World Environment Day: Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience

As the world commemorates World Environment Day on June 5th, 2024, the focus sharpens on critical issues plaguing our planet’s landscapes: land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. This year’s theme underscores the urgency of collective action to combat these challenges and safeguard the health of our ecosystems for future generations. 

Restoring the Earth’s Vital Landscapes and Confronting Desertification World are not just environmental imperatives but global necessities for sustaining life on our planet. The degradation of fertile land and the encroaching desertification threaten the very foundation of food security, biodiversity, and community resilience. However, amidst these challenges, there is a beacon of hope in restoration efforts and multifaceted approaches to combat desertification. Governments, organizations, and communities worldwide are uniting to invest in land restoration projects, reforestation efforts, and sustainable land management practices to reverse the tide of degradation and restore the productivity of our ecosystems. 

Simultaneously, the urgent need to build resilience against drought looms large in the face of increasingly severe and frequent dry spells. Droughts not only jeopardize agriculture and water resources but also deepen existing inequalities and exacerbate poverty. Yet, through integrated water resource management, improved agricultural practices, and community empowerment, we can bolster our resilience against drought and ensure the sustainable development of societies worldwide. By enhancing water efficiency, promoting soil conservation, and investing in drought-resistant technologies, we pave the way for a future where communities thrive, ecosystems flourish, and our planet’s landscapes are safeguarded for generations to come. 

A Synergistic Cooperation 

Aligned with the goals of the Green Deal and Horizon Europe Mission “Adaptation to Climate Change,” REGILIENCE, ARSINOE, IMPETUS, TransformAr, Pathways2Resilience and REACHOUT projects stand as a guide spot of hope and concrete actions in the fight against land degradation, desertification, and the impacts of drought. Our commitment to supporting vulnerable regions couldn’t be more timely, as communities worldwide grapple with the devastating effects of environmental degradation on their lands and livelihoods. 

The close collaboration aims to ensure the development of tools and resources to restore degraded lands, combat desertification, and build resilience to drought.  

The REGILIENCE Project 

REGILIENCE and its sister projects take a holistic approach to addressing the interconnected challenges of desertification and drought. For example, the REGILIENCE self-assessment tool for maladaptation plays a crucial role in spotting potential risk factors for maladaptation in the planning phase of adaptation actions. By guiding users through a checklist of 17 questions, this tool helps identify and mitigate maladaptive potential, ensuring effective adaptation strategies. 

Our capacity-building activities aim to empower regions to co-design and finalize climate resilience pathways, offering comprehensive support (e.g. opportunities on the European level, tools and solutions, indicators, maladaptation, funding), and technical solutions for adaptation (sectoral solutions and good practice implementations) to regional and local change makers. These sessions are available for all interested parties and will take place between March 2023 and 2025. 

Explore our map and understand which regions are covered by REGILIENCE, ARSINOE, IMPETUS and TransformAr. The filtering available is by addressed Sustainable Development Goals, as well as by the Key Community Systems each region is addressing, coming from the Mission adaptation to climate change.  

As we celebrate World Environment Day, let’s continue to empower communities, restore degraded lands, and ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come! 

Funding and Financing Tools to support the Regional Climate Adaptation: a comprehensive guide

Funding and financing climate adaptation measures are crucial for regions and local authorities working towards addressing the impacts of climate change. To aid in this process, the Mission Implementation Platform for Adaptation to Climate Change (MIP4Adapt) has recently introduced two new products on its portal, aimed at supporting regions and local authorities with their climate adaptation financial planning.

In this regard, REGILIENCE played a significant role, largely contributing to the development of these funding tools, supporting MIP4Adapt platform delivering new tools to boost regional climate resilience.

Among the attendees were prominent climate action projects and organizations, including REGILIENCE, ARSINOE, IMPETUS, TransformAr, Pathways2Resilience, and REACHOUT. Over the two days of meaningful discussions, various stakeholders shared insights and formulated key takeaways for effective climate adaptation strategies. 

The importance of funding and financing opportunities

Funding and financing opportunities are essential for empowering regions and communities to confront the challenges of climate change. With a deep understanding of their unique challenges and aspirations, regions receive robust political backing both at European and national levels. 

Indeed, initiatives like the European Mission Adaptation to Climate Change aim to bolster the resilience of at least 150 European regions and communities by 2030. Furthermore, a variety of financial resources are available to support regional climate resilience ambitions.
These resources were created to facilitate the funding process as smoothly as possible.

With the purpose of achieving these critical needs, REGILIENCE has developed a dedicated funding tool to increase awareness of these resources at both European and national levels.

REGILIENCE’s Initiatives

With the purpose of supporting regional actors on climate resilience, REGILIENCE has implemented several initiatives:

  • The 3rd Open Training Session, on “Financial Support for Regional Adaptation”, focused on funding sources for different steps of the adaptation pathway, highlighting currently available opportunities. European projects CLIMAAX and Pathways2Resilience also presented cascade funding opportunities and support for regions to strengthen their climate actions, offering insights and details on the application process. You can watch the complete training session here.
  • The Funding Opportunities Guide explains in detail all the criteria symbols you could encounter when looking for a funding opportunity.
  • The Table of funding opportunities sums up information on European and national funding opportunities. Developed in 2022, it was a great tool to provide guidance on the identification of potential funding sources. This table inspired the Funding and Financing tools now available at MIP4Adapt.

Accessing the Funding and Financing Tools of MIP4ADAPT

For a comprehensive list of MIP4ADAPT Funding Tools, please visit the following links:

The 3rd Mission Forum on Adaptation to Climate Change: Insights and Future Directions

Last week, the 3rd Forum of the Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change brought together leading organizations and stakeholders to exchange views, identify successes and challenges, and shape the future direction of the Mission. The event, co-organized by the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, showcased regional initiatives on adaptation and promoted dialogue among the community of participants. 

Among the attendees were prominent climate action projects and organizations, including REGILIENCE, ARSINOE, IMPETUS, TransformAr, Pathways2Resilience, and REACHOUT. Over the two days of meaningful discussions, various stakeholders shared insights and formulated key takeaways for effective climate adaptation strategies. 

Key takeaways from the 3rd Forum: 

  1. Collaboration and Cooperation are Fundamental: The forum emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts and cooperation across different sectors and regions to effectively address climate change (discover the regions that the 4 Mission on Adaptation Projects, REGILIENCE, ARSINOE, IMPETUS and TransformAr are covering together).
  2. Adaptation as a Top Priority: It was highlighted that adaptation is not an option but a critical priority. Immediate action is required to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
  3. Learning from Best Practices: Participants underscored the importance of learning from regional best practices to avoid repeating mistakes and prevent maladaptation measures (test the REGILIENCE Self-Assessment Maladaptation tool).
  4. Investing in Prevention: The consensus was that investing in preventive measures is far more effective and economical than engaging in reconstruction efforts post-disaster.
  5. Need for Financing and Funding: There is an urgent need for adequate financing and funding to implement concrete and effective adaptation solutions (check the new MIP4Adapt financing and funding tool highly supported by the REGILIENCE team).
  6. Multilevel Governance: Effective adaptation requires multilevel governance structures that include robust stakeholder and citizen engagement (register to the EURESFO, co-organized by REGILIENCE and learn more about multi-level governance).
  7. Connection Between Adaptation and Mitigation: The forum recognized the close interconnection between adaptation and mitigation, stressing that both need to be addressed simultaneously.

Wopke Hoekstra, the Commissioner for Climate Action, delivered a message of hope, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts in building climate adaptation to ensure a just transition. “Each step, no matter how small, brings us closer to sustainable resilience and a climate-adapted future,” he stated.  

The forum concluded with a shared sense of commitment and urgency to advance climate adaptation measures, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for all. 

High-level event of the Mission for Adaptation Climate Change for Greek Cities and Regions highlights

Athens, 11 April 2024 – Serafion complex of the Municipality of Athens

Figure 1. Building Resilience: Lessons Shared by Community Leaders

Earlier this month, at Serafion complex of the Municipality of Athens of the Municipality of Athens, took place the first official event on the Adaptation to Climate Change for the Greek Cities on the framework of the EU Mission Adaptation to Climate Change. The event was organized by the Mission Board of the EU Mission Adaptation to Climate Change, the International Cities Network ICLEI Governments for Sustainability, in cooperation with the General Secretariat for Spatial Planning and Urban Environment of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, with the support of the REGILIENCE project.

The event took place with the presence of representatives from various Municipalities and Regions, including the Municipalities of Representatives from a various of Municipalities and Regions, including Athens, Thessaloniki, Thermi, Trikkaion, Ilion, Larissa, Aigaleo, Heraklion, Skyros, Kaisariani, Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni, Tilos, Mytilene, and Ellinikon, as well as the Regions of North Aegean, Thessaly, Crete, and Central Macedonia, gathered to address pressing climate challenges facing urban and regional environments.

The event hosted representatives from various organisations and institutions, whose contributions and interventions were crucial for the richness of the discussions and the deepening of the issues. The organisations that participated through their representatives in the various panels were the following:

  • Ministry of Environment and Energy (MEE), General Secretariat of the Natural Environment and Water
  • Directorate-General for Climate Action of the European Commission
  • General Secretariat for Environment, General Secretariat for Climate Change, European Commission
  • Climattica: Network of Municipalities and Regions on Climate Change
  • Attica Region
  • ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability
  • Resilient Cities Network
  • MIP4Adapt (Mission Implementation Platform)
  • Green Fund
  • European Investment Bank
  • General Secretariat for Research and Innovation
  • European Environment Agency
  • National Observatory of Athens
  • Ensphere, Hamburg Germany

Discussions focused on resilience and adaptation strategies necessary to strengthen Greek cities and regions in the context of climate change adaptation.

Figure 2. Opening remarks: Addressing Challenges in Climate Adaptation

The event was opened by Eleni Myrivili, Member of the EU Mission board for Adaptation to Climate Change, highlighting the need for all levels of local government to work together to address climate challenges.

This was followed by welcoming remarks from key officials such as Elina Bardram, Director for Adaptation & Resilience, and Mission Manager for the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, DG Clima, European Commission, and Secretaries General Petros Varelidis , Ministry of Environment and Energy, Konstantinos Magoulas, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and Fofo Kalyva, Ministry of Health.

Figure 3. European Mission on Adaptation in Action: Initiatives Supporting Cities and Regions

The panels that followed contributed to the understanding of the needs and opportunities for adaptation in Greek regions through the exchange of knowledge and experiences between the representatives of the various organisations and stakeholders.

The panel “The National Framework for Adaptation to Climate Change” discussed the main strategies and policies implemented at national level to address and adapt to climate change. Existing challenges and appropriate measures to help cities and regions become more resilient to extreme weather events were examined.

Figure 4. Leadership Insights: Supporting Cities and Regions

In the panel “The Climate Change Adaptation Mission and support to cities and regions” the discussion focused on the specific actions and initiatives implemented under the European Adaptation Mission. Successful models and examples from different regions that have implemented innovative solutions to build resilience were analysed.

Figure 5. Local and Regional Resilience: Innovative Solutions for Communities

Figure 6. City Showcase: Success Stories in Climate Adaptation

The panel “Data and Financing of Greek Municipalities and Regions for Adaptation to Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events” covered the economic aspects of climate change adaptation and data availability. Available resources, funding assessment methodologies and funding opportunities from national and European funds were discussed. Cases of support for projects aimed at improving the resilience of local communities were also presented.

Figure 7. Experts explore funding and data for Greek climate resilience projects.

The event concluded underlining the need for an integrated and coordinated approach to tackle climate change, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the different levels of government and society.

Some impressions:

"It has been high-time to organise such a National event in Greece and to exchange with cities and regions on upcoming opportunities and open calls through the Mission for Adaptation to Climate Change, given the recent extreme events that occurred in the country over the last few years. Participants showed increased interest in the Mission activities, willing to join forces with relevant institutions to fight against the impacts of climate change"
Vasileios Latinos
Head of Resilience and Climate Adaptation at ICLEI Europe and ICLEI-lead for the REGILIENCE project
'Climate change knows no borders, it demands collective action from all levels of government and society. During the high level national event in Athens we see there is clear commitment through integrated multilevel collaboration and innovative solutions, to effectively address the challenges ahead and build resilient communities".
Elena Petsani
Expert Resilience and Climate Adaptation, ICLEI

Flooding – not only a matter of experts – Opinion Article

In Europe, we are facing increasing flood risks under the influence of climate change. During the summer of 2021, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium experienced severe flood events due to heavy rainfall, resulting in significant damage and even casualties in Germany and Belgium. Due to climate change, such events are more likely to occur in the future.

Traditionally, in the Netherlands, mainly experts are involved in managing flood risks. This includes hydrologists and modelers accustomed to working with complex modelling software, calculating various flood scenarios, and visualizing them in a way that aligns with their knowledge and expertise. The emphasis here is on scientific accuracy rather than the visual aspects of flood information. For a long time, making flood risks and information understandable beyond a small group of experts has not been a focus point in the Netherlands.

Changing audience

However, this has changed over the last decade. Climate change and its associated risks should not only concern experts; everyone should be involved. This is especially true for flood risks, which can affect many people in the Netherlands, as almost 27% of its surface is located below sea level. Over the last decade, we have seen that improving the accessibility of flood information has different benefits.

First of all, it is important to prepare people for a potential flood event and make sure that they know what to do should such an event occur. In this way, the damage and especially the amount of casualties in case of a flood event will decrease. Furthermore, under the pressure of climate change, we need to take measures to protect our living environment. These measures can, in some cases, have a significant impact on the immediate surroundings. This includes, for example, inconvenience due to construction work, as well as the demolition of buildings to make room for improved flood defenses and dikes. To create support for these measures, it is important to involve people and inform them about the risks.   

In the Netherlands, there has been much more attention on this in recent years. An example is the website overstroomik.nl, where everyone can enter their address and see how high the water can rise, what that means in terms of accessibility to water, energy, and internet, and how they should prepare for it. While these websites are a very positive development, they are mainly focused on actionable perspectives rather than understanding the risks. Many of these initiatives do not provide or offer limited insight into the causes of a flood and the extent to which, for example, severity may vary and change in the future due to climate change. Furthermore, flood maps are generally projected in 2D and offer little insight in terms of what a flooding actually means and looks like on the ground.

Ambitions within the IMPETUS-project

Within the IMPETUS project, we believe that besides focusing on actionable perspectives, it is important to improve the accessibility of information on the causes of flooding as well. We want to make flood risks tangible and understandable for everyone. Therefore, within this project, we focus on visualizing floods in 3D. The final goal of the project is to unlock different flood scenarios, calculated with high-level expert hydrodynamic software, in a Google Street view-like environment where you can see the water rise against the buildings. Such a Google Street view-like environment is often referred to as a digital twin and is currently being developed in an increasing number of locations. In this way we can make the high-level model simulations that are normally only used by experts accessible to everyone. This could include architects, municipal policymakers in spatial planning, or simply residents of a particular area.

Technical challenges

As one can imagine, there are different (technical) challenges involved in realizing this ambition. These challenges can be summarized in two categories. The first challenge is the need to be able to simulate different types of flooding and convert the modelling results into a format that can be ‘translated’ to a 3D visualization. Secondly, an online 3D environment is needed representing the physical environment including terrain, buildings and other objects like bridges and trees.

Flood modelling

Depending on the location to which this innovation is applied, the possible causes of a flood event can be very different. For example, in the areas of the Netherlands that are located below sea level, there is always a risk that a sea dike breaches and cause the hinterland to flood. However, flooding can also be caused by high river levels (that overtop the river dikes) or by heavy precipitation. Often, flooding occurs due to a combination of these causes. In order to capture all these causes, you need a modelling software package that incorporates all the relevant processes.

For the digital modeling of floods within the IMPETUS project, we use the 3Di software. This hydrodynamic software is based on the latest mathematical insights and can simulate the motion of water in processes such as dike breaches, rainfall run-off, infiltration, overland flow, sewerage flow, river flow, and around obstacles such as bridges, buildings, and culverts, ultimately to simulate floods. More information on the 3Di software can be found here.

In addition to this simulation software, within the IMPETUS project we developed a new result format for the model simulation results. This new format is called ‘3D-tiles’, and enables you to visualize the simulation results in 3D. The 3D-tiles are developed according to the OGC-standards. These standards are the basis for many digital geospatial developments, including different digital 3D environments. Since the 3D-tiles are developed based on these standards, it is possible to visualize the simulation results in different 3D environments.

Digital modeling of the physical environment

For the modeling of the physical environment, data of all obstacles is required, including photorealistic textures of the buildings. This data is required to create the online, Google Street View-like environment, to which the flood scenarios can later be added. Within the IMPETUS-project, we work together with different organizations that already work with such an online environment and try to link to these.

In the end, within the IMPETUS project we hope to realize an online, 3D-environment in which flood simulations can be easily visualized. Such an online environment should be easy-to-use and easy-to-understand, such that important information of flood risks is accessible to everyone!

You can download the article by clicking here.