Turning Knowledge into Adaptation Action: Lessons from #ECCA2025
By Marta Ducci
"Turning Knowledge into Adaptation Action: Lessons Learnt, Barriers and Enablers through the Experience of EU-funded Projects" brought together diverse voices at ECCA2025, reflecting on how scientific knowledge can drive real-world climate adaptation.
Organised by the European Climate Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), the session gathered speakers from five innovative EU-funded projects - CLIMAAX, KNOWING, PIISA, NL-NASCCELERATE, and METROADAPT - to discuss concrete results, persistent barriers and emerging opportunities.
From Models to Communities
In his opening remarks, Matthias Langemeyer (CINEA) set the tone: EU-funded projects must not only generate knowledge but catalyse real impact - especially in support of the EU Green Deal and the Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change. CINEA supports a wide portfolio of projects along the innovation chain and fosters collaboration via platforms such as MIP4Adapt.
The discussion focused on two crucial dimensions: the use of models in local climate risk assessments, and the governance structures needed to make adaptation strategies work.
Insights from the Projects
Frederiek Sperna Weiland from Deltares, coordinator of CLIMAAX, shared experiences from developing a climate risk assessment framework used by 69 regions across Europe. A key lesson: while scientific models are vital, language and communication must be adapted for regional actors. Strong interest from local authorities was evident, but effective implementation required co-development, continuous support, and translation of complex data into actionable insights.
Mattia Leone, from KNOWING (University Federico II of Naples), emphasised that climate adaptation requires understanding the interconnections between systems - natural, social, and built environments. He highlighted co-design as not just an engagement strategy, but a form of capacity building in itself. Multidisciplinarity is often talked about, he noted, but remains a challenge in vertically organised systems.
From the insurance sector, Hilppa Gregow of the Finnish Meteorological Institute introduced the PIISA project, which pilots parametric insurance for landowners and farmers facing climate-related risks. Trust-building and awareness-raising were key: many stakeholders were unfamiliar with such tools, underlining the importance of education and accessibility.
On the governance front, Katja ten Hove from the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment shared insights from NL-NASCCELERATE, which works with 23 partners to accelerate national adaptation. Four thematic working groups helped address core barriers, including tools, finance, and cross-sector collaboration. A strong message emerged: local initiatives should be supported - not directed - by higher governance levels, and knowledge must be made relevant to each stakeholder’s perspective.
Francesca Framba, representing the METROADAPT project and the Metropolitan City of Milan, showcased a success story of mainstreaming adaptation into local planning. Starting with just two municipalities and eventually engaging 32, the project implemented over 90 nature-based solutions to manage heat and flooding. Critical to success was offering municipalities both tools and funding, and framing participation as an opportunity to influence and lead in EU innovation.
Audience Engagement
Audience questions enriched the session: How can we make adaptation proactive instead of reactive? Should the EU adopt a standardised framework or maintain flexibility? How can Indigenous knowledge be integrated meaningfully?
Responses highlighted a shared understanding: while flexible frameworks adaptable to local needs are essential, there is also a push for a common approach to evaluation and monitoring, to ensure lessons are captured and progress tracked. Speakers also acknowledged the need for policy shifts to integrate Indigenous perspectives more deeply and respectfully.
Final Takeaway Messages
The panel ended with a round of takeaway messages:
“Make society own the results” urged Sperna Weiland.
“Use science and technology for actionable local solutions” added Leone.
“Ensure continuity in funding and support” said Gregow.
“Keep sharing and learning across borders” encouraged Ten Hove.
“Understand the problem and bring stakeholders together” concluded Framba.
CINEA closed the session by reaffirming the importance of turning project results into policy, scaling what works, and harvesting innovation for systemic transformation.
Interested in contributing to this change?
Check the calls that are currently open here:
EU Mission for Adaptation Call for proposal 2025: HORIZON-MISS-2025-01-CLIMA (6 topics), 113.6 M Euro Budget
Horizon Europe Cluster 5 Call for proposal 2025: HORIZON-CL5-2025-06-D1: climate sciences and responses EUR 83.5
2025 LIFE funding calls
Chair
Session led by the European Commission, European Climate Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA)
Speakers
Matthias Langemeyer, Head of Department Green Research and Innovation, CINEA
Frederiek Sperna Weiland, Deltares, CLIMAAX coordinator
Mattia Leone, PLINIVS Competence Centre, University Federico II of Naples, KNOWING project
Katja ten Hove, Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. Life IP NL-NASCCELERATE coordinator
Hilppa Gregow, Finnish Meteorological Institute PIISA coordinator
Francesca Framba Metropolitan City of Milan, Sustainable development and decision support systems, Life METROADAPT project
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