Julia, what is your organization’s role in the FAIR2Adapt (F2A) project?
adelphi leads one out of six case studies within FAIR2Adapt. We focus on improving the data availability for climate risk assessments under the EU regulations for sustainable activities such as EU taxonomy or CSRD. We will accompany two businesses in preparing climate risk assessments as part of their EU sustainability reporting.
How does F2A relate with you and your team’s background and interests?
Our team at adelphi focuses on reducing vulnerability and increasing climate resilience through scientific analyses. The FAIR2Adapt collaborative framework enhances the ability to conduct comprehensive assessments of climate impacts, which is a core aspect of our work. Moreover, the project’s emphasis on bridging gaps between scientific knowledge, practical application, and resource sharing resonates with our expertise in strategic advice. By improving data accessibility and promoting cross-sectoral knowledge coordination, FAIR2Adapt provides a robust foundation for our team to offer informed strategic advice to policymakers, businesses, and local authorities. Additionally, the project’s focus on demonstrating equitable, effective, and data-driven climate adaptation strategies aligns with adelphi‘s interest in motivating and empowering stakeholders to act.
Which stakeholder groups can benefit from F2A?
Any business that needs to report under EU sustainability regulations can benefit from the applied methods and data framework that we establish in the FAIR2Adapt case study. The research in the other case studies will increase the group of potential users even further.
Which are your personal expectations for the FAIR2Adapt project?
“I wish FAIR2Adapt helps to uncover the data treasure that is already available to accelerate climate change adaptation action.”
How far will the F2A project contribute to the improvement of citizen’s climate literacy?
The project makes it easier for citizens to access and understand the data that informs climate adaptation strategies. This accessibility is crucial for increasing public awareness and understanding of climate issues. Through the established framework data interoperability allows citizens, educators, and policymakers to integrate data into educational and decision-making processes more effectively. FAIR2Adapt emphasizes stakeholder engagement and capacity-building activities especially with the six case studies. By involving local authorities and communities, the project helps tailor climate literacy initiatives to local contexts, making them more relevant and impactful.
What are the main challenges for businesses in terms of CCA?
More and more companies in the EU are required to report on how their economic activities are contributing to the six environmental objectives of the EU taxonomy for sustainable activities. In this context, the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 requires companies to perform climate risk assessment for two possible purposes: to show that an economic activity is contributing to climate change adaptation (environmental objective #2) or to check whether an activity that contributes to another objective will do so even under a changing climate (do-no-significant-harm check). The regulation has detailed requirements that a climate risk analysis needs to fulfil, e.g. climate projections at the smallest appropriate scale and at least 28 different climate hazards need to be considered. Experience shows that business as well as consultants are struggling with the very demanding requirements and the very parcelled climate / hazard data landscape.
Which would be your recommendations for businesses based on the findings of your case study?
EU regulation requirements can also be an opportunity instead of a burden. By fulfilling the requirements businesses support climate change mitigation and adaptation actions. Together we will steer towards a sustainable globe.
Do you have professional ambitions and visions that you hope to achieve in the climate sector?
With my work in the field of climate change adaptation I want to contribute to climate resilience science and bridge academic knowledge with political actions.
What are you proud of, personally?
I am proud of the knowledge I gained on my way so far. I also enjoy growing together each day.
In your opinion, how can women be further supported so that gender equality can be sustainably improved?
Scholarships and mentorship programs can support women at various stages of their professional journeys. Additionally, the creation of inclusive workplace policies that address gender-specific challenges encourages women to pursue their careers.
What would you wish for all ladies on March 8th?
Celebrate yourself!
