Climate Adaptation in Focus: R2K-Klim+ at the RegIKlim Working Group Meeting in Stuttgart

On April 10 and 11, 2025, representatives of R2K-Klim+ and other RegIKlim projects met in Stuttgart. Coordinated by the accompanying research project WIRKsam, researchers and practitioners exchanged ideas on how to translate research findings into concrete adaptation targets. Supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of its "Research for Sustainability (FONA)" strategy, RegIKlim aims to assist municipalities and regions in their climate action efforts and to provide them with tailored recommendations for climate adaptation.

During the RegIKlim working group meeting, participants from the six model regions discussed how new scientific insights can be integrated into the development of local strategies and targets for climate protection and adaptation. A central objective was to derive adaptation targets, progress monitoring, and success indicators from the project results—indicators that can be implemented by municipalities of any size. Smaller municipalities in particular need to pool financial and human resources to ensure that the most essential elements and key themes are embedded in climate adaptation plans. As part of the BMBF-funded R2K-Klim+ research project, the Research Institute for Water Management and Climate Future at RWTH Aachen University represented the Duisburg model region.

R2K-Klim+ focuses on the impacts of global climate change and corresponding climate adaptation measures at the regional and municipal levels. The Rhine basin (macro level) and the city of Duisburg (micro level) are the primary areas of focus, where climate projections and vulnerability analyses are being conducted to assess the effects of climate change. The goal is to provide a decision support system that offers decision-makers a transparent foundation for creating more resilient urban and regional structures. The methods and insights gained will also be transferable to other regions, enabling locally tailored adaptation strategies.

Participants at the working group meeting agreed that providing region-specific information and options for action is crucial to successful climate adaptation. RegIKlim compiles knowledge, analyses, and tools to help municipalities and regions prepare for the challenges of climate change. The results are not only summarized in a climate register; they also lead to concrete measures and actions. Overall, the Stuttgart working group meeting played a key role in intensifying collaboration among various research partners and taking an important step toward consolidating our findings, thereby advancing climate adaptation for municipalities in the future.