Integration of climate information into urban climate change adaptation: A case study of municipal processes in Constance

Abstract

Cities need to adapt to climate change in an increasingly rapid pace. Data and information on the existing and expected climate impact and the effectiveness of adaptive measures can support the planning and implementation of resilient urban planning. To inform urban climate change adaptation (CCA) in Germany a diverse landscape of climate services exists. However, the literature on usability gaps shows different barriers impeding the use potential of climate services. This study empirically analyzes the needs and barriers of municipal staff of different departments in Constance with regard to utilizing climate data and information. Surveying 72 and interviewing 10 municipal staffers, we found that climate data and information hold great potential for different public services but its handling poses many challenges. Furthermore, we found that a strategic approach mainstreaming climate data and information into cross-departmental work practices on urban CCA is crucial to anchor its usage in complex decision-making systems. The co-development of data-sensitive workflows, decision support tools, and capacity trainings can foster such integration. Based on the survey and interview results we designed a workflow on how to integrate such data and information strategically in municipal work processes.

Keywords

• Urban climate change adaptation
• Climate services
• Usability of climate data and information
• Expertise for municipal adaptation processes
• Co-development of climate services