Governance & Engagement for climate services: institutionalization of resilience and stakeholder engagement

Governance for climate service adoption (5.1)

Climate services are not merely products but involve complex co-production processes among various stakeholders, including meteorological agencies, research institutions, and local authorities. Effective governance is critical to integrate climate services into urban planning and decision-making. Key governance aspects include coordinating stakeholder involvement and institutionalizing processes to ensure long-term ownership and integration of climate services. Challenges such as limited resources, data accessibility, and institutional fragmentation can hinder the adoption of climate services. Addressing these barriers through coordinated frameworks, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement is crucial for successful implementation. ​

Stakeholder engagement (5.2)

Inclusive participation is a necessary component in the development of climate services and effective climate adaptation strategies, fostering ownership, trust, and legitimacy. Key steps include identifying relevant stakeholders, establishing clear communication channels, and facilitating collaborative platforms such as Living Labs. These participatory approaches enhance the relevance and acceptance of adaptation actions, ensuring they address the needs and priorities of all community members. By embedding stakeholder engagement into governance frameworks, cities can build more resilient and adaptive urban environments.

Governance and engagement for climate adaptation in practice (5.3)

This section examines the practical application of governance principles in climate adaptation efforts. It emphasizes that effective governance involves collaboration among governments, institutions, communities, and stakeholders to create policies promoting climate resilience. It highlights the challenges in defining and assessing good governance but references frameworks such as those from the World Bank and UN-Habitat, which stress principles like participation, transparency, and accountability. A case study on heatwave management in Athens is presented, illustrating the importance of coordination, public awareness, and integrating scientific data with community engagement in governance practices.

References

The climate story of Gdynia​

During an extreme rainfall event, Jan watches in fear as water rises dangerously close to flooding his apartment. His experience highlights the urgent need for climate adaptation in Gdynia, inspiring the community to take action and build a more resilient future together.