On 3 and 4 November, the status conference of the RegIKlim funding measure – Regional Information on Climate Action by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) – took place in Duisburg. Researchers, representatives from local authorities and partners from the field came together to exchange current findings and experiences.
The two-day event focused on how scientific findings can be prepared in such a way that municipalities, districts, and regions are able to respond effectively to climate-related challenges such as heat, heavy rainfall, or low water levels. The funding initiative brings together eight research consortia across six model regions, developing practical tools and information bases for local climate adaptation.
The project R2K-Klim+, coordinated by FiW e.V. at RWTH Aachen University, is part of this funding initiative. Five FiW researchers traveled to the project region Duisburg, which hosted this year’s status conference.
R2K-Klim+ investigates how the impacts of climate change – particularly heavy rainfall, heat, and low water levels – affect Duisburg and the Rhine catchment area, and which adaptation measures are most effective. The project aims to develop an integrated decision support tool that helps the City of Duisburg identify local climate risks and plan targeted adaptation strategies. Ecological, social, and economic interactions are considered equally. By linking scientific analyses with existing urban and open-space planning instruments, R2K-Klim+ makes a tangible contribution to promoting climate-resilient structures at the municipal level.
The conference provided a valuable platform for exchange and networking between research and practice – with the shared goal of translating scientific results into concrete local action. One thing became clear: there can be no one-size-fits-all solution. But a solid information base and the willingness to cooperate are key to successful implementation.
Further information on the R2K-Klima+ project is available here: https://r2k-klim.net/.
More information on the conference can be found on the FONA homepage: https://www.fona.de/de/aktuelles/nachrichten/2025/11/251105_RegIKlim_Statuskonferenz_2025.php