Menu
Menu
Flood disasters along rivers are among the events whose frequency and extent are increasing at an alarming rate. Affected areas are not only exposed to the direct force of the water masses, but also to debris and soil erosion. Damages to infrastructure such as electricity, transport or water resources cause additional knock-on impacts on access to health or supply services and even health risks due to due to contact with biological or chemical contaminants. Last but not least, the loss of life, health and private property has a serious impact on the mental health of the population.
Measures to mitigate the impact of floods range from protective measures such as improved structural design of the built environment and protective walls to the designation of floodplains and relocation of infrastructure and population. However, the solutions should be carefully considered in order to avoid jeopardising the dwindling remaining emissions budget for achieving the temperature targets through the necessary investments for the chosen solution variant.
We need our natural environment and its capacity to regenerate just as much as we need our built environment. Therefore, a broad understanding is needed as to which measures provide the best trade-off to achieve climate-neutrality and a high quality of life for all.
Policymakers and administrators play a key role in climate adaptation, but success depends on aligning strategies with realistic institutional, governance, and budgetary conditions. Strong institutions, cross-sector and cross-department collaboration, and enforceable policies support resilience and climate neutrality. Awareness, clear governance, and financial resources are essential but not sufficient—political will and broad stakeholder engagement are crucial. Transparent, evidence-based decision-making helps overcome barriers. Tools like the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) align – if available – local strategies with broader goals. Effective climate action requires administrators to coordinate efforts across departments and sectors. Ultimately, realistic assessments of local capacities determine feasibility and impact.
KNOWING provides policymakers and administrators with the tools and insights to develop effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, ensuring their region moves toward climate neutrality.
The KNOWING Follower Questionnaire integrates a capacity mapping to assess existing laws, regulations, institutions, and governance structures, helping decision-makers understand the feasibility of climate strategies in their specific context.
At the core of KNOWING’s methodology is an impact interaction model framework, which combines system dynamics with sectoral models to map complex interactions between climate risks, adaptation and mitigation measures. This framework simulates multiple sectors—including energy, mobility, land use, and urbanization—enabling a precise assessment of political decisions regarding their long-term ecological, economic, and social impacts.
KNOWING delivers actionable insights through a set of tailored services:
Science and education are key to climate adaptation, translating complex challenges into actionable insights. Beyond generating data, they must equip policymakers with practical solutions and necessary skills. Effective knowledge transfer requires clear communication through policy briefs, scenario analyses, and interactive platforms. Strong networks between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners enhance collaboration and best practices. Science helps simplify climate complexity using risk assessments and scenario planning. By fostering ambition and systemic change, it encourages bold climate strategies. Ultimately, science and education empower decision-makers to build a resilient, climate-neutral future.
KNOWING helps create livable, resilient cities and regions by ensuring that climate decisions are grounded in scientific knowledge. By providing tools and insights, the project supports communities in adapting to climate change while working towards long-term sustainability and climate neutrality.
At the core of KNOWING is the Impact Interaction Model Framework, which maps the complex relationships between climate risks, environmental changes, and adaptation and mitigation measures. This framework integrates climate science with stakeholder knowledge from policy, industry, academia, and civil society, ensuring that solutions are both scientifically sound and locally applicable.
KNOWING equips communities with evidence-based tools to actively participate in climate action:
Businesses and industries play a strategic role in climate adaptation, benefiting from resilience, innovation, and long-term competitiveness. Climate-resilient regions attract investors, skilled workers, and companies seeking stable environments. Clean Tech and sustainable industries offer major economic opportunities, positioning proactive companies ahead in evolving markets. Regulatory compliance, such as the EU’s CSRD, is becoming essential, giving sustainable businesses a competitive edge. Beyond compliance, sustainability enhances brand value, attracts talent, and improves work environments. Companies should see climate adaptation as a strategic advantage, not a burden. Collaboration with policymakers and researchers is key to future-proofing operations and driving systemic change.
Businesses play a strategic role in climate adaptation, benefiting from resilience, innovation, and long-term competitiveness. Climate-resilient regions attract investors, skilled workers, and companies seeking stable environments, making sustainability a core business advantage. The transition to a low-carbon economy presents major economic opportunities, especially in Clean Tech and sustainable industries. Companies that integrate sustainability into their strategies gain a competitive edge, while regulations like the EU’s CSRD make climate risk disclosures essential.
KNOWING provides tools to help companies navigate and leverage climate adaptation:
Climate adaptation is not just about policies and technologies—it is about how each individual understands, accepts, and responds to necessary climate measures in daily life. KNOWING equips people with science-based knowledge and practical tools to navigate climate risks, make informed decisions, and embrace sustainable change rather than resist it.
KNOWING’s Impact Interaction Model Framework helps individuals grasp the connections between climate risks, adaptation measures, and policy decisions. By integrating scientific insights with real-world experiences, the project supports individuals in understanding the necessity of climate measures and their long-term benefits.
KNOWING provides tailored tools to support personal acceptance and engagement in climate adaptation:
News
Read the latest updates about the KNOWING research project, find out about interesting facts and insights, and check out our publications.
Events
Find all upcoming events, sign up for interesting activities, and explore what happened so far in our archive.
Map
Get an overview of all Demonstrator and Follower Regions as well of our project partners on our Project Map.
Copyright © 2025 knowing climate.
