Expert exchange on regional climate adaptation in the R2K-Klim+ project

On June 3 and 4, 2025, a two-day workshop took place in Koblenz as part of the joint project “R2K-Klim+” funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). The project is part of the “RegIKlim” funding measure as part of the federal “Water: N” program, which is part of the BMFTR's “Research for Sustainability (FONA)” strategy. The aim of the workshop was to present and further develop project results and methodological approaches to climate adaptation and to prepare for the next funding phase. In addition, our external guests from the BfG were able to provide exciting insights into their work on water balance models for the most important water bodies in Germany and on biodiversity in floodplains.

The workshop program covered a wide range of topics: it ranged from models for transport planning under changing climate conditions to the presentation of possible climate scenarios and the question of how to better assess the economic consequences of low water levels. Several thematic modules showed how complex the challenges of climate adaptation are - but also how diverse and practical the developed solutions can be. The combination of scientific findings with concrete applications in urban and regional planning was particularly important.

One particular focus was on the topic of environmental justice. Using the city of Duisburg as an example, an approach was presented that allows social and ecological aspects to be considered together. The aim is to implement climate adaptation measures in a targeted manner where particularly vulnerable groups of people live - for example in districts that are particularly affected by heat or flooding and whose inhabitants belong to socially or demographically high-risk groups. 
In addition to the professional exchange, a purpose of the workshop was also on strengthening good cooperation within the project network. The workshop provided an opportunity to deepen contacts, share experiences and gather new ideas for the next steps.

With a view to the upcoming third funding phase, the priority is now shifting to the practical implementation of the concepts developed. The aim remains to jointly develop solutions that help cities and regions to better adapt to the consequences of climate change - comprehensibly, effectively and fairly.