EU-level data and information for local adaptation: Perspectives across Europe

The accelerating impacts of climate change necessitate sustained adaptation efforts over the coming decades, even if global warming targets are achieved. Effective adaptation requires reliable data and information on climate change and its associated socio-economic impacts, particularly at the local level, where adaptation is primarily implemented. Although numerous EU-level initiatives provide data and information to support local adaptation, their uptake among local practitioners has remained limited. This study seeks to better understand the cross-cutting factors shaping the use of these resources in a rapidly evolving climate services landscape and, thereby, to support ongoing improvement. We examine perspectives from key stakeholders, including local practitioners, data producers, policy‑domain experts, and researchers across the EU, collected via an online survey (n=56) conducted in spring 2024 and summer 2025 and interviews (n=13) in late 2025. The findings reveal challenges and potential solutions that extend beyond the content of EU-level data and information resources, reflecting wider considerations at the science–practice interface and within governance and political contexts. Key factors include limited awareness of and guidance on available resources, differing needs for spatial and temporal resolution, and considerations of accessibility and tailoring. Additional concerns relate to practical usability and applicability of climate data, data interoperability, and standardisation of non-climate data. Finally, use is shaped by political priorities and legislation, and funding, among others, necessitates improved policies for data use in adaptation planning. Overall, the results highlight cross-cutting factors and emphasise the need for systemic approaches that address interlinkages across these areas, to ensure that emerging climate services remain relevant to evolving local adaptation challenges.