One challenge in climate adaptation is determining the optimal timing and approach for investments to maximise returns. As such, SCORE developed two key results, financial risk profiles and a Decision Support System (DSS) to help municipalities assess climate-related risks and make informed financial planning decisions.
What are risk profiles?
The risk profiles, built on probabilistic flood risk assessments, provided a detailed understanding of potential financial losses from flooding using local data on population, infrastructure, and economic exposure. Specifically, the risk profiles included an overview of how EBAs might mitigate climate risks and associated costs. The DSS integrated these findings into a single platform, to support municipal decision-making and evaluate various financial strategies tailored to the specific risk landscape of the CCLLs.
One of the most significant outcomes was the practical application of these tools is resilience planning. The DSS allows municipal authorities to simulate financial strategies and assess trade-offs between different approaches to risk mitigation. The integration of EBA effectiveness into risk assessments also provided compelling evidence for investing in nature-based solutions, reinforcing their role in the city’s long-term adaptation strategy.
Collaboration of Science & Stakeholders
The inclusion of the CCLL and local partners was essential to getting the tools to a useful and contextualised place. Vilanova i la Geltrú CCLL kicked off these activities by collating all the necessary data needed to shape the exposure models. Co-creation sessions with municipal representatives emphasised the importance of visualising financial impacts in an accessible format, leading to refinements in the accessibility and usability of the DSS. Further, the EBAs incorporated into the risk profiles were selected during further co-creation sessions with local stakeholders, ensuring that solutions reflected regional priorities and constraints.
“ You do really need the local partner with a direct line to the stakeholders… if you want to be effective and on the ground, you really need someone there to open the door.” – Mar Riera Spiegelhalder, Serveis de Suport a la Gestió, Vilanova i la Geltrú CCLL
The experience in Vilanova i la Geltrú highlights several key takeaways for other cities looking to implement similar technologies. Early stakeholder engagement ensures that risk assessment tools are tailored to local needs, while training municipal staff in using tools and interpreting outputs enhances the effectiveness of decision-making. By leveraging co-creation and data-driven insights, the Vilanova i la Geltrú CCLL has set a strong precedent for other coastal cities seeking to enhance resilience in the face of climate change challenges.
