Open Research Europe (Apr 2024)
Deriving lessons learned from monitoring adaptation activities in projects under the EU mission on adaptation [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]
Abstract
Actions to strengthen climate resilience are gaining more traction. In order to ensure effective adaptation, it is important to monitor the outcomes and impacts of these actions. However, there are numerous challenges and a multitude of approaches when it comes to monitoring adaptation to climate change. This paper addresses challenges in setting up mechanisms for monitoring climate resilience and adaptation projects. Drawing from three EU Horizon 2020 projects under the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, it synthesizes challenges and insights to support future initiatives in their monitoring endeavors for other projects to learn from. Findings, acquired through workshops with experts who shared learnings and challenges, highlight four key themes: the challenge of tailoring global frameworks to local needs, data availability and evaluation of data, interdisciplinary collaboration in monitoring, and stakeholder engagement for monitoring endeavors.