Workshop on Climate Risk Assessment in Košice

In December 2024, a workshop on climate risk assessment (CRA) took place in Košice, bringing together experts from various sectors – from academia to non-profit organizations. The event aimed to share experiences, discuss challenges and opportunities in climate risk assessment, and find concrete solutions to help Košice and the Košice Region better adapt to climate change.

If you were interested in climate risks and their impact on our regions, this workshop provided an opportunity to explore specific challenges and possible solutions to tackle them. Let’s take a closer look at the key topics discussed and what they mean for the future.

The workshop began with a discussion on participants’ experiences in climate risk assessment. Mr. Robert Gregorek from the Botanical Garden of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University acknowledged that despite his experience with CRA, the biggest challenge lies in the timing and accuracy of climate data. “Data is highly time-sensitive. By the time it is processed, it may already be outdated, making it difficult to predict risks such as droughts or floods,” he stated.

This issue affects not only academic projects but also practical initiatives, where up-to-date data is essential for planning climate measures. The challenges of obtaining and processing data were among the key discussion points at the workshop.

Mr. Michalko from Kajo s.r.o. emphasized the importance of long-term data and the need to account for significant fluctuations in climate data. “It is crucial to use data over extended periods to capture the natural variability present in climate processes,” he stated. However, long-term data is not always available, which creates challenges in assessing long-term climate risks.

The Košice Region and the city of Košice must therefore rely on available historical data while ensuring that their analysis considers climate variability and fluctuations.

Košice have already implemented several initiatives for climate risk assessment. The city shared its experiences with using the Climate Risk Index (KRI) and an adaptation plan that helps determine the vulnerability of regions based on various factors, such as droughts and floods. This index is a tool that helps set priorities and deploy measures in areas most at risk from climate hazards.

Košice are also working on evaluating the effectiveness of these measures and establishing indicators to monitor progress. The city recognizes that improving the visibility of the impact of these measures will be crucial for convincing the public and enhancing the effectiveness of climate strategies.

One of the biggest issues discussed by participants was the availability and quality of data. Although there is a wealth of climate and hydrological data, it is not always available in the required quality or time frame. Many of these data are only accessible for a fee or through government institutions, making it difficult to utilize them at the local level.

Therefore, the Košice Self-Governing Region is working on creating a geoportal that would enable better access to this data and its subsequent processing. These tools, supported by various projects such as the World Bank project or the initiative through the Efficient Public Administration program, help bridge the gap between data availability and their practical use.

The workshop also focused on whether the Košice Region and the city of Košice could benefit from conducting a comprehensive climate risk assessment. The answer is clear – yes. CRA can serve as a framework for consolidating and organizing fragmented data, identifying vulnerable areas, and proposing specific adaptive measures.

The goal of CRA is to provide practical tools for assessing risks and contributing to decision-making processes. With this tool, local governments can effectively focus their efforts on areas most at risk, thus improving the resilience of regional ecosystems to climate challenges.

Although Košice and the Košice Region have ambitious plans for climate change adaptation, financing climate projects remains a challenge. The city of Košice and the Košice Region rely on European Union funds and other grants, but access to financing is sometimes complicated, especially when resources are needed for conducting analyses and assessments.

However, there are other opportunities, such as utilizing open data, collaborating with academic institutions, and working with non-profit organizations that have experience in implementing climate projects.

he workshop showed that while Košice and the Košice Region face challenges in climate risk assessment, there are many opportunities for improvement and growth. A key step is to bring together experts from various fields – from data analysts to public administration representatives and non-governmental organizations – to collectively create a strong framework for effective adaptation to climate change.

If we are to prepare for climate risks and minimize their negative impacts, we must invest in quality data, collaborate across sectors, and explore new, innovative ways to address climate challenges. This workshop was one of the steps to move the Košice Region and Košice towards a more sustainable and resilient region.

The Land4Climate project actively supports the Košice Region and contributes to the development of nature-based solutions (NbS), which are essential for improving the environment and supporting sustainable development in the region. Through collaboration on this project, the Košice Region gains not only technical and administrative support but also inspiration from successful examples and best practices, which will ultimately contribute to the region’s resilience to climate change. This collaboration is key to creating a more sustainable and climate-resilient community that is prepared for the challenges that climate change brings.

Were you interested in the topics from the workshop? Follow our next steps within the Land4Climate project.

Closer information about the LAND4CLIMATE project, its goals, project partners, and more can be found here.