Klimakontext

KlimaKontext is a framework for analyzing climate-related challenges by situating climatic data within broader social, economic, and political contexts. It emphasizes context-informed interpretation of climate risks, adaptive options, and policy decisions, rather than treating climate signals in isolation. The aim is to support decision making at municipal, regional, and national levels by linking science with governance and development processes.

Core components include integrating climate projections with socio-economic indicators, historical context, and governance arrangements; employing scenario planning and qualitative assessments; engaging stakeholders and co-producing knowledge; and documenting assumptions and uncertainties openly. The approach is typically multidisciplinary, drawing on climate science, economics, political science, urban planning, and risk communication.

Origin and use: KlimaKontext has emerged from networks of universities, research institutes, and non-governmental organizations in German-speaking regions, with expanding international collaborations. It is applied in policy analysis, urban and regional planning, adaptation strategies, risk communication, and education to foster common understanding of climate implications across sectors.

Reception and limitations: Proponents view KlimaKontext as a useful bridge between scientific results and practical decision making, while critics caution that the framework can become overly complex or ill-defined if not explicitly scoped, and that data availability and comparability may vary across contexts.

Related topics include climate policy, adaptation, resilience, and risk communication.