Co-production and co-design for a better understanding of the impacts of climate change

The European Climate Change Adaptation conference (ECCA) has provided a space for climate change adaptation experts to share their experiences, approaches and developments in coordinated and synergistic processes. Actors from different sectors take part with a common objective: to reduce the impacts associated with climate change.

Co-production and co-design applied to minimise the risks of flooding in Bilbao

Our colleague Saioa Zorita has presented a comparison between two approaches to define adaptation pathways to minimise the risks associated with river flooding in the city of Bilbao.

The first approach is based on a semi-quantitative methodology which uses bibliographical information on the effectiveness of the measures. The second consists in a quantitative methodology associated with modelling and simulation. The application of both has shown how three of the five adaptation pathways proposed would be effective in Bilbao.

Based on the results, the city considers several criteria to prioritise the implementation of adaptation options (cost, maintenance, co-benefits, acceptability, etc.). The work also shows that the semi-quantitative method is a successful approach to obtaining an adaptation pathway that uses fewer resources.

However, a quantitative perspective allows for the spatial effectiveness of the adaptation alternatives to be understood, since it is able to zoom-in on the areas with the highest risk and therefore determine if the options are effective enough. It also provides information on the water flow rate, which is directly related to the impacts associated with the river's flow volume.

Co-production as a way to increase understanding on the economic impacts and the value of climate services

Efrén Feliu explained how co-production can increase understanding on the economic impacts and the value of climate services. He presented recent examples of co-production and co-design approaches within the framework of climate change impacts. They included the identification and analysis of climate change adaptation and resilience practices, the assessment of climate services, and the importance of involving the financial sector.

Reliable data and estimates for climate change planning

Having access to reliable climate data from the past and present, as well as future predictions, is critical for planning activities in many sectors: energy, transport, water, urban and regional planning, and many more. Copernicus C3S' Climate Data Store (CDS) provides this type of information free of charge. This useful tool also offers a simple way to search through catalogues. In addition, it includes an online toolbox which allows users to build workflows and applications that respond to their needs.

Our colleague Jorge Paz provided specific training on how to use the Climate Data Store and the various tools developed by the European Commission's Copernicus programme.