How do local authorities develop effective climate adaptation strategies?
We help local authorities to identify climate risks at an early stage and tackle them effectively – through integrated climate adaptation strategies that are scientifically sound and practical to implement.
Your situation
Climate change has long been a reality, and its effects are already being felt in local communities. Heatwaves, droughts and heavy rainfall events are on the rise, presenting towns and districts with the challenge of protecting their populations and making their infrastructure resilient.
At the same time, the pressure to act is growing due to political mandates and funding programmes. Local authorities need a robust framework to systematically identify risks, set priorities and develop appropriate measures – tailored to local conditions and stakeholder structures.
Your challenges
The development of a local climate adaptation strategy involves a wide range of challenges:
- Assessment of the local impact of climate change
- Identification of particularly vulnerable areas and relevant areas for action
- Integration of nature-based and infrastructure-based measures
- Development of a comprehensive, scalable strategy
- Involvement of politicians, public authorities and other local stakeholders
- Ensuring eligibility for funding and compliance with existing guidelines (e.g. DAS)
- Establishment of sustainable structures for implementation and long-term maintenance
These challenges call for a structured approach that combines analysis, strategy and engagement.
What we offer you
Current situation and climate projections
We lay the foundations for a well-founded climate adaptation strategy by identifying the specific impacts on the relevant local authority or region:
- Analysis of scientific climate data and current climate scenarios (e.g. IPCC, national specialist institutions)
- Systematic processing of local climate data (temperature, precipitation, extreme events, etc.) based on available data (heat maps, heavy rainfall maps, capacity of flood insurance schemes)
- Scenario analyses for various development pathways (e.g. RCP 2.6 / RCP 8.5)
Identification of hotspots
We identify areas particularly at risk and visualise the climate-related risks they pose to the population and infrastructure:
- Map-based analysis of heatwave, heavy rainfall and flood hotspots
- Taking into account social, environmental and infrastructural factors
- Spatial prioritisation for targeted action planning
Set of measures
We translate analysis and strategy into concrete proposals for action:
- Development of short-, medium- and long-term measures
- Assessment based on feasibility (technical, legal, organisational, staffing), climate protection impact, cost-benefit analysis, eligibility for funding and sustainability
- Integration into existing planning tools such as land-use plans, development plans and landscape programmes
- Coordinated across sectors: climate adaptation affects many areas (e.g. urban planning, health, water management). Focus on nature-based and socially balanced solutions
- Advice on further utilising funding programmes
- Preparation of measures for decision-making by local authorities
Communication strategy
We support effective communication as a means of building long-term engagement:
- Target audience analysis and definition of communication objectives
- Development of a multi-channel communication plan
- Recommendations for media, formats and engagement strategies
Impact analysis
We analyse and assess which groups of people and businesses are affected by climate change events and how they should respond.
- Analysis of climatic impacts on infrastructure, ecosystems, society and, in particular, vulnerable population groups such as the elderly and children
- Systematic risk assessment using a climate risk matrix
- Identification and definition of relevant areas for action
Overall strategy and objectives
We formulate an integrated, strategic guideline for local climate adaptation in clear, accessible language:
- Definition and justification of adaptation targets
- Identification and prioritisation of key areas
- Consideration of natural climate protection and biodiversity
- Assessment of conflicts of interest with other sectoral strategies (e.g. health or nature conservation)
Stakeholder participation
We ensure acceptance and impact through targeted participation:
- Identification and analysis of relevant stakeholder groups
- Planning and implementation of suitable participation formats
- Integration of the results into strategy, action planning and monitoring
Why HIC CONSULTING
We combine scientifically sound analysis with a clear focus on practical implementation. Our experience in developing local climate adaptation strategies enables us to present complex issues in an accessible way and translate them into concrete steps for action.
At the same time, we place great emphasis on involving relevant local stakeholders and coordinating with existing funding structures. This results in strategies that are effective at a local level and have a long-term impact.
Highlight Projects
Scenarios for Hamburg’s new climate protection targets
The Ministry for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture (BUKEA) of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg supported HIC CONSULTING in developing the climate protection scenarios, including their recent revision, as well as providing further expert reports on waste heat potential, process heat requirements and the transformation of the heat supply.
Scenarios for the Hanover region
We developed scenarios for the Hanover region as part of the update to the ‘100% Climate Protection Master Plan’. This involved quantifying non-energy-related emissions from agriculture, land use, waste management and forestry, identifying potential for measures such as afforestation and the rewetting of peatlands, and calculating scenarios for natural climate protection.
Do you have any questions about local climate adaptation strategies, or do you need help with your project? Please feel free to get in touch!
