Fifth Open Training Session on Energy and Adaptation Planning

On December 10, 2024, REGILIENCE organized its fifth online Open Training Session, titled “Time to adapt: embedding resilience in local and regional plans.“  in collaboration with PLAN4CET project. This session was the first one of the second cycle of REGILIENCE Open Training Sessions (OTS) which will focus on providing more concrete know-how and inspiration on specific sectors to provide practical knowledge and tools for public authorities to develop integrated approaches to build climate-resilient societies.The aim of this specific session was to better understand the connections between local planning for the can energy transition and for climate adaptation. As energy is a key sector in both mitigation and adaptation, we used it as starting point to reflect on synergies and integration of both, adaptation and clean energy planning. The event was a platform to share insights, exchange best practices, and explore ways to strengthen adaptation efforts at regional and national levels. 

The event included several expert presentations, each tackling different aspects of climate adaptation and energy planning. These presentations highlighted not only technical insights but also practical approaches that can be tailored to various regional contexts.  

Key Insights from the Session: 

• Understanding Climate Risks: 
  Ine Vandecasteele from the European Environment Agency provided an overview of resources available at European level addressing both, energy and climate adaptation challenges. In particular, she highlighted the adaptation priorities stated in the European Climate Risk Assessments (EUCRA). 

• Spatial Planning as a Tool for Resilience: 
  Tomislav Novosel (REGEA) highlighted the role of spatial planning in implementing adaptation strategies. He discussed how integrating resilience into territorial planning can help address vulnerabilities and create more robust regional responses. 

• Climate Proofing  of infrastructure and services: 
  Miljenko Sedlar (REGEA) delved into the concept of climate proofing, offering practical methods to ensure that infrastructure and services are prepared for future climate challenges. He stressed the importance of proactive planning to minimize long-term risks. 

• Balancing Mitigation and Adaptation: 
  Eleonora Leonardi (EURAC, Impetus Project) explored the delicate balance between mitigation and adaptation, using historic buildings as a case study. Her insights demonstrated how addressing both aspects is essential for sustainable development. 

• Monitoring and Evaluating Progress: 
  Christian Kind (Adelphi) introduced the concept of maladaptation and the REGILIENCE self-assessment check list. He also emphasized the need for robust systems to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of adaptation measures. He underlined the key aspects to consider and shared inspiring best practices and useful resources.  

The session underscored the value of fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. By sharing knowledge and experiences, participants gained a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complex landscape of climate adaptation. 

If you missed the session, recordings and presentation slides are available. You can also explore previous sessions and contribute your ideas for future topics by visiting the REGILIENCE page. This series remains a cornerstone of REGILIENCE’s mission to empower regional actors in building a more resilient future.