How can cities move from abstract climate targets to concrete, locally grounded decisions?
In the Horizon Europe project KNOWING, researchers and local stakeholders have worked together to develop integrated climate pathways for the city of Tallinn. The aim is to connect climate mitigation and adaptation into one coherent strategy, linking energy systems, mobility, urban planning, and public health.
Connecting sectors, not isolating them
Instead of addressing these sectors in isolation, the approach combines multiple domain models with stakeholder input to explore how different interventions interact over time. This makes it possible to identify co-benefits and trade-offs; for example, how changes in mobility systems can create space for urban greening, which in turn helps reduce heat stress.
Adaptation and Mitigation go hand in hand
The work also highlights that climate transformation is not only a technological challenge. Behavioural responses, governance structures, and local constraints play a crucial role in shaping what is feasible and effective in practice.
For Tallinn, where heat is an emerging climate risk, the pathway shows how mitigation and adaptation measures need to go hand in hand. From energy transitions and mobility changes to urban design and public health considerations, the results underline the importance of integrated, cross-sectoral planning.
Co-creation as a foundation
A central element of the process is co-creation: local stakeholders were involved in defining visions, identifying interventions, and shaping timelines. This ensures that the resulting pathways reflect not only scientific insights, but also institutional realities and everyday experiences.
Supporting decisions under uncertainty
The KNOWING approach does not deliver a single predefined solution. Instead, it provides a structured way to explore options, understand consequences, and support decision-making under uncertainty.
The full results will be presented in detail in the project deliverable and future scientific publications. This first insight shows: turning climate goals into action requires integrated thinking, local knowledge, and continuous collaboration.
About KNOWING
KNOWING is a Horizon Europe project that develops tools, models and participatory formats to support climate-transformation. By combining scientific analysis with local knowledge and stakeholder input, the project supports regions and sectors to understand climate risks, assess options, and design effective, inclusive pathways for change.