Since its establishment, the CLIMAAX Community of Practice (CoP) has become a cornerstone for collaboration within the project, bringing together regional authorities, researchers and policy actors to advance climate risk knowledge across Europe. The CLIMAAX CoP, designed as a space for exchange and co-creation, has evolved through three phases aligned with the project’s maturity. From initial engagement and co-development, to large-scale implementation and, finally, to consolidating results and ensuring long-term uptake.

Phase 1 –  Co-developing and testing the CLIMAAX Framework and Toolbox

In the first phase, the CoP played a central role in co-developing and testing the CLIMAAX Framework and Toolbox for context-specific Climate Risk Assessments (CRAs). By engaging pilot regions, scientific partners, EU institutions, and sister Mission projects, the CoP helped ensure that the framework and tools were grounded in real regional needs and adaptable to diverse contexts. Consultations, surveys, and calls for evidence supported a shared design process and a better representation of user expectations.

Phase 2 – Expanding the community

The second phase marked a major expansion—both in membership and scope. The CoP now connects over 250 practitioners from regions, local authorities, knowledge networks and scientific communities. Activities focused on capacity-building, guidance, and mutual learning to support practitioners in conducting CRAs toward climate risk management and adaptation planning. 

This phase featured a rich programme of thematic webinars and workshops designed around the community’s evolving interests and priorities and addressing key topics such as stakeholder engagement, risk communication, and financing. It also included collaborative sessions to co-design, test, and refine new CLIMAAX resources – such as the scenario workflow and the risk evaluation dashboard. 

Among these initiatives, the CoP launched a new hazard- and workflow-focused webinar series to deepen understanding of the CLIMAAX Framework and Toolbox through real regional experiences. The first webinar, “Heatwave Risk Assessment: Learning from Regions” – scheduled for November 27, 2025– focuses on one of Europe’s fastest-growing risks. 

Phase 3 – Consolidating the CoP legacy

Now entering its third phase, the CoP aims to consolidate its legacy and long-term impact. By showcasing regional CRA experiences, facilitating dialogue on lessons learned, and developing an online community forum for peer-to-peer exchanges. 

The CoP is moving beyond the traditional “developer-end user” model. Its goal is to foster continuous enhancement and uptake of CLIMAAX tools and frameworks, while empowering regions and practitioners to take ownership and an active role in their use, extension, and adaptation – ensuring that CLIMAAX resources continue to evolve in response to diverse, context-specific needs and experiences across Europe (by Fulvio Biddau, CMCC).

How to join the CoP

Joining the community is simple! Submit your contact information via the registration form to become a part of our CoP.  Follow the CoP on LinkedIn and join our private group to stay updated on the latest news and discussions. For further inquiries, please write to us at cop@climaax.eu.