Climate action is a shared effort. Cities, scientists, businesses and citizens all play a role in building resilience, and better decisions happen when they work together.

You don’t have to be a climate scientist to have a view on climate adaptation. In fact, you’ve probably seen adaptation measures first-hand if you live in an area affected by climate change. The effectiveness of measures, like rainwater harvesting or green spaces, depends on high-quality, relevant climate information.

Well done! The bottom line: temperature & precipitation records, climate model projections and local and indigenous knowledge (e.g. fishing logs) all help scientists understand past trends and future changes.

Correct, but as with everything…there are nuances! Climate projections don’t tell us exactly what will happen, but they help us understand what could happen under different assumptions.

This makes projections potentially valuable for planning and decision-making.

Bingo! A prediction estimates future climate based on what is most likely to happen (with known conditions). Keep in mind: Climate scientists use both predictions and projections to understand how Earth’s climate may change in the future.

Uncertainty is part of the natural order of things. Natural seasonal variability or scenario uncertainty do not impede the reliability of climate projections over the longer term. Local and regional governments need guidance on how to interpret and manage this degree of uncertainty (‘governance capacity’). This capacity helps decision-makers to allocate resources and pivot strategies to boost climate adaptation responses.

Correct! To assess risks, like extreme heat or flash flooding, cities require high-resolution climate projections that incorporate urban land cover, building density and surface materials through detailed downscaling techniques (i.e. localised decision-making).

Clearly, cities cannot focus solely on historical data or on future climate scenarios. Whether looking back or forward, cities must be discerning in the data they select and how they use it to shape future urban planning. Advances in climate modelling, including the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, have enhanced the resolution and reliability of these projections, enabling more accurate assessments of potential impacts on urban areas.

Co-production of climate information is essential to transformative climate action. If done well, of course, this collaborative approach helps to bridge the gap between complex scientific knowledge and practical policymaking, making climate information more accessible, understandable and actionable.

All of these options are correct – but obviously, there are many more ways citizens can leave their mark on climate adaptation in their cities and regions. Nearly 400 projects across Europe are actively involving the public in research through citizen science initiatives.