Speaker
Description
Addressing climate change requires localized assessments that integrate environmental, socio-economic, and climatic factors to guide targeted adaptation strategies. This study focuses on evaluating climate adaptability and risk across Italy using two composite indices: the Climate Change Adaptability Index (CCAI) and the Climate Change Risk Index (CCRI). Both indices are developed using open datasets, including ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics) and ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), ensuring broad accessibility and transparency while highlighting the potential and limitations of publicly available data in climate research.
On one hand, the CCAI measures resilience by balancing exposure to climate hazards with adaptive capacity indicators. Specifically, it incorporates Consecutive days without rain, Duration of hot periods, Average temperature increase (1960–2008), Tree canopy density, and Soil permeability. Results show stark regional disparities: northern Italy demonstrates higher adaptability, particularly in Alpine regions. Conversely, southern regions, including Calabria and Sicily, exhibit lower scores.
On the other hand, the CCRI evaluates the intersection of climate hazards and socio-economic vulnerabilities. It combines Consecutive days without rain, Duration of hot periods, Average temperature increase from 1960–2008, and the Socio-economic vulnerability index (SEVI, another composite index elaborated by the authors) to identify areas of heightened risk. Findings highlight significant challenges in southern and rural areas, where socio-economic fragility compounds climatic stressors. For example, inner Calabria experiences extended dry periods exceeding 40 days, exacerbating its vulnerability. In contrast, metropolitan areas like Lombardia show relative resilience but face localized risks from urban heat and socio-economic disparities.
This dual-index approach shows the need for place-based strategies. Enhancing natural resilience through reforestation and urban greening, coupled with socio-economic initiatives to reduce inequalities, is critical. The study emphasizes the importance of governance reforms and participatory planning to support equitable climate adaptation. These findings offer a replicable framework for regional analysis and policy design, contributing to sustainable and resilient urban futures.
| Keywords | Climate change adaptability; climate risk; territorial sustainability; open data; Italy |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
