Standardized Climate Risk Assessment in Europe - developing a monitoring system for evaluating inputs, outputs, outcomes and impact using key performance indicators

Climate Risk Assessments (CRAs) have become indispensable tools for understanding and responding to the escalating threats posed by climate change creating the evidence base for environmental policy making by systematically identifying vulnerabilities, hazards, and exposure across sectors and regions to develop targeted measures and efficiently allocate resources to high-priority regions. However, whilst considerable effort has been invested in developing and applying CRA methodologies, comparatively little attention has been paid to monitoring their effectiveness, usability and real-world impacts, especially concerning the effects on environmental policy making. Understanding how CRAs translate into meaningful adaptation outcomes is essential for improving methodological approaches, ensuring accountability, and maximising the return on investment in climate risk science.

This paper proposes a novel climate risk assessment monitoring framework designed to evaluate the effectiveness of CRA applications and their downstream impacts. The framework is both conceptualised and empirically applied to the CLIMAAX methodological framework and toolbox – a European initiative that builds upon existing risk assessment frameworks, methods, and tools to deliver a robust, coordinated, and comparable approach to CRA across the European Union. The project supports 69 regional and local authorities and communities in highly climate-vulnerable areas throughout the project duration, providing a substantial empirical basis for monitoring and evaluation.

The monitoring framework is applied across the participating regions using mixed methods, including quantitative online surveys and semi-structured interviews. With this the study establishes a systematic monitoring framework for CRA applications across a wide range of different socio-demographic regions, climatic and environmental conditions as well as institutional capabilities to respond. Results are expected to inform ongoing experience with the CLIMAAX framework, guide future CRA assessments, and support the long-term sustainability of European climate risk initiatives.