Effective Science Communication for Climate Change Adaptation on Regional Scale – Regional Climate Information Platforms: A Case Study in Oberland (Upper Bavaria – Germany)

Climate change poses a significant threat to communities on regional scale as well as worldwide, and the urgency for adaptation is particularly crucial for small- and medium-sized communities and cities. However, a pervasive knowledge gap exists in these regions, hindering their ability to adapt effectively. The lack of accessible and tailored climate information and services exacerbates the vulnerability of these communities. Therefore, this study focuses on addressing this knowledge gap and developing effective science communication strategies, emphasizing the regional scale through the implementation of Regional Climate Information Platforms.

The chosen case study location, Oberland (Upper Bavaria, Germany), is characterized by complex terrain, encompassing Alpine and Pre-Alpine regions, with three distinct climate zones in close proximity. The diverse topography of Oberland presents unique challenges, as climate change impacts may manifest differently across the region, particularly for hydro-meteorological extremes. Moreover, the region heavily depends on tourism, making it economically susceptible to changing climate conditions and increasing extreme events, such as extreme precipitation, flooding, summer heatwaves and decreasing snowfall affecting tourism activities (e.g. skiing, hiking, climbing, etc.).

Thus, the study aims to follow a comprehensive workflow, starting with the collection of climate data, followed by bias correction and regionalization for Oberland. High-resolution rainfall statistics will be developed and integrated into hydrodynamic simulations and cluster analyses of flood triggering mechanisms. The outcome will be the creation of risk maps for hydro-meteorological extremes, providing crucial information for stakeholders and decision-makers. Finally, these risk maps will be then incorporated into the digital decision support system, Platform Oberland within the KARE (Klimawandelanpassung auf regionaler Ebene) Project.

In addition to the scientific aspects, the study emphasizes the importance of stakeholder interaction and co-design in the development of Platform Oberland. The collaboration between scientists and stakeholders ensures that the information generated is relevant and usable for decision-making. With this study, it is also aimed to identify "best-practice" approaches for transferring scientific workflows and results into actionable climate-related measures for small- and medium-sized communities.

This case study in Oberland could serve as a regional model for effective science communication and adaptation strategies at the regional level for hydro-meteorological extremes, offering insights into the development of climate indicators and the integration of scientific findings into practical, community-centered climate adaptation.