Malte, what is your organization’s role in the FAIR2Adapt (F2A) project? 

The University of Hamburg plays a key role in the FAIR2Adapt (F2A) project by contributing expertise in integrating socio-economic data on urban vulnerability and exposure with physical climate hazard data. Our focus is on understanding and mapping climate-induced stressors in the city of Hamburg and ensuring that data is accessible, transparent, and usable for decision-makers. By working with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and public institutions, we aim to facilitate evidence-based adaptation planning and foster cross-sectoral collaboration by ensuring FAIR data to enhance climate resilience.

How does F2A relate with you and your team’s background and interests? 

The F2A project aligns closely with our team’s background and research interests in urban climate risk assessment. It aligns with our on-going project “Water from 4 Sides” as part of the Excellence Cluster “Climate, Climatic Change and Society” funded by the German Research Foundation. We have long been engaged in studying how climate change impacts cities and the socio-economic factors influencing urban resilience. Our expertise in geospatial analysis, data management, and climate modeling allows us to contribute valuable insights into Hamburg’s climate risks. Additionally, we are particularly interested in making climate data more accessible and actionable for policymakers and the general public.

How will F2A optimize and contribute to the development of climate change adaptation (CCA) strategies? 

F2A will significantly enhance climate change adaptation strategies by improving the quality, accessibility, and interoperability of climate-related data. By ensuring the FAIR principles, the project will enable policymakers and urban planners to base their adaptation decisions on the most up-to-date and granular information available. Furthermore, F2A will help identify knowledge gaps, facilitate cross-sectoral dialogue, and support the development of comprehensive and sustainable adaptation strategies that address both short-term vulnerabilities and long-term climate risks.

Which stakeholder groups can benefit from F2A? 

A wide range of stakeholders will benefit from F2A, including city authorities, policymakers, and public service providers. By making climate risk and adaptation data more transparent and accessible, F2A will also support citizens. Furthermore, the improved integration of socio-economic and physical climate data will provide valuable insights for international organizations and networks working on climate adaptation.

In your opinion, what do you think the importance of climate change mitigation methods will be like in the future? 

Climate change mitigation will remain a critical pillar in global efforts to combat the adverse effects of climate change. While adaptation strategies are essential for managing current and future climate risks, mitigation remains the key to reducing the frequency and severity of climate-related stressors. The future will demand stronger policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and implementing nature-based solutions. Moreover, a well-balanced approach that integrates both mitigation and adaptation will be necessary to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.

Which are the most significant challenges and opportunities related to climate change adaptation in your opinion? 

One of the biggest challenges in climate change adaptation is the need (in terms of availability and accessibility) for high-resolution, reliable, and up-to-date data to support evidence-based decision-making. Many urban adaptation efforts are hindered by fragmented data sources, silo thinking, and the complexity of cross-sectoral coordination. Another challenge is the balance between adaptation and mitigation efforts as well as allocating financial resources to them, ensuring that strategies do not conflict with each other. However, there are also opportunities, particularly in participatory approaches to enhance adaptive capacity and public acceptance. Collaboration between scientific institutions, policymakers, and local communities will be crucial in overcoming the challenges and identifying new solutions for climate resilience.

Which are your personal expectations for the FAIR2Adapt project? 

We expect it will lead to a more transparent and user-friendly climate data ecosystem that enables better adaptation planning in Hamburg and beyond. We anticipate that the project will enhance the integration of socio-economic and environmental data, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding and transparent communication of climate risks. Furthermore, we hope that F2A will serve as a model for other cities and regions, demonstrating how data-driven approaches can significantly improve climate resilience.

How far will the F2A project contribute to the improvement of citizen’s climate literacy? 

The F2A project will contribute to improving citizens’ climate literacy by making climate data more accessible and understandable. Through improved data visualization, interactive platforms (hopefully!), and public outreach efforts, F2A will help bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public awareness. By providing clear insights into climate risks and adaptation measures, citizens will be better equipped to engage in climate-resilient behaviors and support policy initiatives aimed at sustainability.

Could you briefly describe what the ambitions of your use case study are? 

The primary ambition of our use case study is to assess climate-induced stressors and their socio-economic impacts on urban populations in Hamburg. By integrating high-resolution climate hazard data with socio-economic vulnerability metrics, we aim to inform sustainable climate adaptation strategies. Additionally, we seek to improve data sharing and collaboration among city authorities, ensuring that adaptation planning is based on comprehensive and up-to-date information.

What are the main challenges for policymakers in terms of CCA? 

Policymakers face multiple challenges in climate change adaptation, including limited access to high-resolution data, competing policy priorities, and the complexity of coordinating across different sectors. Additionally, balancing the needs for urban development with adaptation requirements can be difficult, as certain mitigation measures may conflict with adaptation strategies. Addressing these challenges requires robust data governance and cross-sectoral cooperation, and long-term policy commitments.

Which would be your recommendations for policymakers based on the findings of your case study? 

Our recommendations for policymakers include prioritizing data transparency and accessibility, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, and integrating climate risk assessments into urban planning processes. Policymakers should also engage local communities in adaptation planning to ensure that solutions are inclusive and socially equitable.

Which measures must be undertaken by policymakers right now in order to prevent hazardous health impacts caused by climate change? 

Policymakers must implement heat action plans, improve urban green and blue infrastructure, and enhance early warning systems for extreme weather events. Additionally, strengthening public health systems, ensuring access to clean water, and addressing socio-economic inequalities are essential steps in reducing climate-related health risks.

On which kind of potential health impacts caused by climate change does your Case Study focus? 

Our case study can help to investigate the health impact of heat stress, pluvial flooding, and other climate hazards. These climate-induced stressors pose significant risks to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and low-income communities. Understanding these risks enables the development of targeted adaptation measures to protect public health.

Which measures and actions are of highest urgency in your opinion to build climate resilience in the EU? 

The most urgent measures include accelerating the transition to renewable energy, enhancing urban climate adaptation infrastructure, and improving cross-border collaboration on climate risk management.