With Pathways2Resilience, Europe prepares for climate challenges and risks and threats
Some of Europe’s most vulnerable regions and communities are set to make tangible progress in adapting to climate change. Forty regions and communities have been selected to participate in Pathways2Resilience, a flagship project funded by the European Union, which seeks to implement a transformative approach to climate adaptation with systemic innovation at its core. This initiative will help these regions strengthen their resilience against diverse hazards, including droughts, wildfires, and floods, safeguarding a combined population exceeding 53 million. Among the selected regions, sixteen have identified themselves as being at high risk, highlighting heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, and floods as their most urgent threats.
Pathways2Resilience stands out by moving beyond traditional risk reduction methods, advocating for a holistic, integrated, and region-led approach. As part of the EU’s Mission Adaptation and aligned with the European Green Deal, the initiative aims to accelerate climate adaptation efforts and reinforce net-zero commitments. By addressing climate challenges in an innovative way, it ensures that adaptation is not just a reactive measure but an embedded strategy for long-term resilience. Launched in the beginning of 2023 and set to run until the end 2027, Pathways2Resilience represents a €29.6 million investment by the EU in climate adaptation. By fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and providing practical solutions, the initiative plays a pivotal role in steering Europe toward a sustainable, climate-ready future.
The consortium
Led by Climate KIC, the project brings together an extensive consortium of experts, including regional networks, technical specialists, adaptation finance professionals and learning facilitators. The initiative is designed to co-create resilient futures with at least 100 regions and communities, fostering political commitment and collective action. This collaborative model underscores the significance of citizen and stakeholder involvement in shaping adaptation strategies, ensuring that solutions are locally relevant and sustainable.
Over the first 18 months, the initiative has laid the groundwork for transformative change. It has developed a self-assessment framework, allowing regions to evaluate their readiness for climate adaptation while providing a structured roadmap. More than 200 regions have been engaged, resulting in the selection of the first 40 participants, a crucial milestone in regional adaptation efforts. Funding has already been allocated through sub-grant calls to support innovative projects, demonstrating a firm commitment to tangible actions on the ground.
At the same time, the project has conducted an in-depth analysis of critical factors influencing adaptation efforts, shedding light on the structural and social components necessary for effective climate resilience. Attention has also been given to climate finance, exploring sustainable investment options to ensure long-term adaptation success. Decision-support tools have been developed to aid regional leaders in navigating complex climate challenges, equipping them with the knowledge and strategies required to enhance resilience. Capacity-building programs have been introduced to empower communities with the skills and expertise needed to tackle climate-related risks effectively. As the initiative progresses, its emphasis on co-design and region-specific solutions ensures adaptability to the unique challenges faced by different regions.
Adaptation to climate change is a crucial step in ensuring that regions can effectively respond to evolving threats and extreme weather events. A well-structured adaptation strategy serves as a proactive roadmap, outlining necessary measures to build resilience and mitigate risks. To support regions in developing these strategies, Pathways2Resilience provides a comprehensive framework that guides regions through a structured adaptation process.
The regional resilience journey
At the heart of this approach lies the Regional Resilience Journey (RRJ), which integrates forward-looking methodologies with flexible decision-making tools. These include adaptation pathways, allowing regions to evaluate multiple scenarios and potential solutions for climate resilience. To facilitate this process, the Pathways2Resilience Climate Toolbox has been introduced as a key resource for regions seeking to enhance their resilience. This toolbox offers clear guidance on each stage of the Regional Resilience Journey while providing access to over 300 tools and resources. In addition to supporting the development of adaptation strategies, the toolbox also focuses on fostering enabling conditions essential for successful implementation. Beyond providing resources, the Climate Toolbox includes training materials, case studies, and practical templates that assist regions in applying tools effectively. By offering structured guidance, practical resources, and opportunities for knowledge-sharing, Pathways2Resilience equips regions with the capabilities required to navigate the challenges posed by a changing climate.
As climate adaptation becomes increasingly critical, the adaptive pathways method emerges as a valuable tool for addressing long-term uncertainty. A recent study published in Global Environmental Change examined the use of adaptive pathways over the past decade, revealing that they accelerate adaptation and help identify barriers and opportunities within different contexts.
Developed through the expertise of institutions such as Deltares, Utrecht University, Delft University of Technology, and the Climate Change Research Institute at Victoria University of Wellington, adaptive pathways planning has been widely applied in various fields, including coastal management, agriculture, urban planning, water resource management, and ecosystem preservation. A comprehensive review of 238 studies and over 20 guidance documents demonstrates how these methodologies have contributed to shaping effective climate resilience strategies across the globe.
