Project Header Image

Clim4Cast

Project overview

Central European Alliance for Increasing Climate Change Resilience to Combined Consequences of Drought, Heatwave, and Fire Weather through Regionally-Tuned Forecasting

Climate change increases the risk of severe weather events in central Europe. Increasing resilience to droughts, heatwaves and fires is urgent but tools that monitor and predict these phenomena are widely missing. The Clim4Cast project establishes a new weather forecast tool, which will be integrated into existing national monitoring platforms of seven countries. Concrete action plans to set up regional response mechanisms are also developed.

1,91m €

Project Budget

80%

of the Budget is funded by ERDF

Layer 1

7

Countries

7

Regions

8

Partners

3

Pilots

Duration

Start date

End date

Project progress

44%

About the project

The Central European region faces an increase in the frequency, duration, and severity of drought, heatwaves, and fire weather (DHF) due to ongoing climate change. While legal frameworks and attention have been directed toward water scarcity and drought, the insufficient consideration of heatwaves and fire weather in legislation poses a challenge, impeding efforts to increase resilience. Recognizing the direct threats posed by DHF events to human well-being and the environment, Clim4Cast aims to address the existing gap by introducing operational tools for monitoring, prediction, and raising awareness. Clim4Cast project partners will collaboratively develop and establish a multi-temporal DHF forecast. Beyond forecasting, the project will assess the impact of climate change on DHF event occurrences. The project's outcomes will contribute to a comprehensive strategy aimed at increasing climate change awareness, particularly for underreported extreme events. What sets Clim4Cast apart is the collaborative utilization of partner knowledge in extreme weather events, diverse communication strategies, and established networks of stakeholders. The project's uniqueness lies in the development and implementation of multi-temporal forecasting, a crucial aspect currently missing in existing tools. The output of Clim4Cast will serve as an early warning system, empowering diverse stakeholders and facilitating integration into national legislative frameworks.

Project partnership

Project partners

Česko (CZ)

Lead partner

Global Change Research Institute, CAS

Domain of Climate Analysis and Modelling
Address
Bělidla 986/4a
60300 Brno
Country
Czechia (CZ)
Web
https://www.czechglobe.cz

Project partner

Department of Geography, Faculty of Science
Address
Kotlarska 267/2
61137 Brno
Country
Czechia (CZ)
Web
https://www.muni.cz/en
Total partner budget
202,754 €
Department of Geodesy and Geoinformation
Address
Wiedner Hauptstrasse 8-10
1040 Vienna
Country
Austria (AT)
Web
www.tuwien.at
Total partner budget
294,379 €
Department of Bioeconomy and Systems Analysis
Address
Czartoryskich 8
24-100 Puławy
Country
Poland (PL)
Web
www.iung.pl
Total partner budget
169,550 €
Research Platform "Data Analysis & Simulation"
Address
Eberswalder Str. 84
15374 Muencheberg
Country
Germany (DE)
Web
https://www.zalf.de/en/Pages/ZALF.aspx
Total partner budget
251,103 €
Meteorology and hydrology office
Address
Vojkova cesta 1b
1000 Ljubljana
Country
Slovenia (SI)
Web
https://www.arso.gov.si
Total partner budget
198,699 €
Meteorological Research and Development Division
Address
Ravnice 48
10000 Zagreb
Country
Croatia (HR)
Web
www.meteo.hr
Total partner budget
153,179 €
Division Meteorological Service/Dpt. of Climatological Service
Address
Jeséniova 17
83315 Bratislava
Country
Slovakia (SK)
Web
www.shmu.sk
Total partner budget
271,280 €

Roadmap

1

Challenge

The primary challenge addressed by our project lies in the diversity of microclimate conditions within Central Europe. This diversity introduces complexities in handling different input data sources and understanding the multifaceted nature of drought, heatwaves, and fire events.

2

Approach

The project's approach encompasses three key work packages. WP1 focuses on enhancing the region's resilience to DHF and their compound impacts. Complementing this, WP2 involves collaborative efforts in developing and implementing a forecasting tool tailored for DHF. Simultaneously, WP3 focuses on jointly formulating a response strategy using an early warning system.

3

Solution

The proposed solution focuses on collaborative efforts to develop a comprehensive forecasting model for DHF in Central Europe. By pooling expertise and resources, the project aims to create a robust tool that integrates insights from diverse climatic conditions, fostering resilience across the region.

News

German Weather Service User Workshop – DWD Nutzerworkshop

P2 Green

NEWS

23.04.2024

German Weather Service User Workshop – DWD Nutzerworkshop

The workshop hosted by the German Weather Service DWD aims for open exchange between users and developers of climate products in weather, seasonal, decadal forecasts, and regional projections. It covers current science, user-specific applications, and future perspectives.

Project meeting at Masaryk University in Brno

P2 Green

NEWS

15.02.2024

Project meeting at Masaryk University in Brno

The members of the Clim4Cast project discuss their activities in the first year of the project.

Clim4Cast presented at Researchers’ Night

P2 Green

NEWS

14.02.2024

Clim4Cast presented at Researchers’ Night

The Clim4Cast project was presented at the Researchers' Night, which took place at the Department of Geography of Masaryk University in Brno.

Relationships between heat waves and soil drought in the Czech Republic

P2 Green

NEWS

10.12.2023

Relationships between heat waves and soil drought in the Czech Republic

In August, the EMS Annual Meeting 2023 took place in Bratislava (Slovakia). Jan Řehoř from the Department of Geography of Masaryk University in Brno presented existing results regarding the relationship between heat waves and soil drought.

Talk about agriculture and climate change during the debate “Our Planet – Our Common Future”

P2 Green

NEWS

05.12.2023

Talk about agriculture and climate change during the debate “Our Planet – Our Common Future”

Over 200 participants engaged in the First Nationwide Debate“Our Planet – Our Common Future,” organized by the Higher School of Computer Science and Management in Rzeszów (WSIiZ) and the Climate Coalition. The event that took place, on December 5, 2023 brought together scientists, activists, politicians, local government representatives, agricultural ...

Hydrospace Workshop

P2 Green

NEWS

27.11.2023

Hydrospace Workshop

Concluding the Hydrospace workshop in Lisbon, ZALF delivered a presentation on the preliminary findings of the Clim4Cast project via a poster session. Exciting discussions and valuable feedback ensued, contributing to the project's progress.

EC-ESA Joint Earth System Science Initiative

P2 Green

NEWS

22.11.2023

EC-ESA Joint Earth System Science Initiative

This was a scientific workshop organized by EC and ESA to advance science for a green and sustainable society. The event focused on research on how to use Earth observation and in-situ data to model applications in six fields: ocean health, weather extremes, polar science, carbon cycle, food systems, ...

Events

Slovenian Environmental Agency hosted stakeholder discussion on agricultural adaptation

P2 Green

EVENT

Slovenia

12.06.2024

Slovenian Environmental Agency hosted stakeholder discussion on agricultural adaptation

The Slovenian Environmental Agency hosted an interactive discussion with stakeholders from the Bela Krajina region in southeastern Slovenia, an area frequently affected by droughts, heatwaves, and other extreme events. Agricultural sector is particularly impacted by these climatic challenges.

National presentation of/seminar about Clim4Cast project

P2 Green

EVENT

Croatia

05.06.2024

National presentation of/seminar about Clim4Cast project

On World Environment Day, DHMZ presented Clim4Cast to relevant institutions, including the Directorate of Civil Protection of the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Croatian Firefighting Association, and representatives of the scientific community. Participants engaged a discussion that raised important issues and proposed ...

Project meeting Clim4Cast in Bratislava

P2 Green

EVENT

Slovakia

In Person

27 - 28.05.2024

Project meeting Clim4Cast in Bratislava

The 3rd international Clim4Cast project meeting was held at the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute on May 27-28, 2024.

Water in Agriculture – Opportunities and Threats

P2 Green

EVENT

Poland

24.04.2024

Water in Agriculture – Opportunities and Threats

The Fourth Water Roundtable, the annual event organised by Open Eyes Economy (https://oees.pl/en/) in Wroclaw, was dedicated to agriculture. The event took place at the University of Technology of Wroclaw and participants were able to join via the internet. The meeting was an opportunity to exchange views and strengthen ...

4th Seminar for the members of the National Drought Impacts Reporting Network in Agriculture

P2 Green

EVENT

Slovakia

13.03.2024

4th Seminar for the members of the National Drought Impacts Reporting Network in Agriculture

Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute organized the 4th Seminar for the members of the National Drought Impacts Reporting Network in Agriculture.

Slovak drought impact reporters in forestry met in October in Palárikovo

P2 Green

EVENT

Slovakia

25.10.2023

Slovak drought impact reporters in forestry met in October in Palárikovo

Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute organized the 4th Seminar for the members of the National Drought Impacts Reporting Network in Forestry.

Pilot actions

Outputs

Data Collection, Evaluation, and Strategy Development for Climate Change Resilience in the Clim4Cast Region

Analysis of data on extreme weather events, evaluating their impacts, societal responses, and database for attributing events to climate change is an important prerequisite for developing a transnational strategy for an increased climate change awareness. Cross-border effects are collected in a structured, standardised, and harmonised way. The societal responses, how events demonstrate themselves in the landscape and influence the regions’ ecosystems, well-being and livelihood are categorized. The database provides the basis for the development of response maps, adaptation and resilience strategies.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans
In development

Solution for integrated multi-temporal forecasting of drought in Central European countries

The Clim4Cast project develops a solution for integrated multi-temporal forecasting of drought in Central European countries, leveraging partners' expertise in drought monitoring. This solution will enhance existing national platforms by providing regionally-specific, multi-temporal forecasts, helping to improve preparedness and response to drought events across the region.
Type of output: Solutions
In development

Solution for integrated multi-temporal forecasting of heat wave in Central European countries

The heatwave forecasting system integrates numerical weather prediction with real-time data to provide accurate heatwave predictions. It features a digital toolbox with open-source data and models, enabling spatially explicit forecasts that are accessible to all participating countries. By incorporating these forecasts with national weather monitoring platforms, the system facilitates timely early warnings and enhances regional cooperation and preparedness.
Type of output: Solutions
In development

Solution for integrated multi-temporal forecasting of wildfire in Central European countries

The proposed solution focuses on a collaborative effort to develop an integrated forecasting model for fire weather in Central Europe. By leveraging multidisciplinary expertise and resources, the project creates a comprehensive tool tailored to the diverse climatic conditions of the region. The cooperative approach addresses the complex, interconnected nature of fire events, enhancing resilience and preparedness across Central European countries.
Type of output: Solutions
In development

Cross-border collaboration on development and implementation of regional multi-temporal monitoring and forecasting mapping tool for drought, heatwaves, and wildfire into established national platforms

The cross-border collaboration focuses on the development and implementation of a regional multi-temporal monitoring and forecasting mapping tool for drought, heatwaves, and fire weather. This initiative aims to integrate the advanced tool into established national platforms across partner countries. By leveraging collective expertise and resources, the collaboration enhances the accuracy and timeliness of predictions of droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires. This will enable better preparedness and implementations of proactive response strategies at both national and regional levels.
Type of output: Solutions
In development

Developing and Communicating Response Plans for Droughts, Heatwaves, and Wildfires

This project phase focuses on evaluating existing responses to extreme events (droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires) and identifying best practices. It aims to develop joint communication and engagement action plans within existing legal frameworks to ensure effective communication with stakeholders. These efforts will enhance proactive response strategies to extreme events and improve overall resilience.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans
In development

Clim4Cast

The project lead partner is responsible for the content of this project website.

Project on social media

Project Contacts

Project Manager

Marketa Podebradska
Phone: +420737953726

Finance Manager

Kristina Travnickova
Phone: +420730164642

Communication Manager

Claas Nendel
Phone: +49 (0)33432 82-355