One of the inspiring presentations of the CLIMAAX Virtual Regions Forum came from Hungary, where the Municipality of the 12th District of Budapest (MARCAdapt project) showcased a data-driven approach to assessing and prioritising urban climate risks. Presented by Emese Décsi, the case demonstrated how the CLIMAAX Project framework can be applied at local level by integrating high-resolution data with stakeholder knowledge.

A localised, multi-risk approach

The assessment focused on three key hazards: heavy rainfall, heatwaves and urban drought, with particular attention to green spaces. By combining multiple datasets and scaling them down to urban blocks and streets, the team identified clear spatial patterns of risk. A key finding was the overlap of high-risk areas, concentrated in dense urban neighbourhoods where vulnerable populations, critical infrastructures and environmental pressures intersect.

Different hazards showed distinct spatial behaviours:

• heatwaves affect wider urban areas,
• heavy rainfall risks concentrate along runoff pathways and streets,
• drought impacts both dense urban parks and peri-urban forests under human pressure.

From data to decision-making

Using the CLIMAAX methodology, the region prioritised heavy rainfall and drought as very high risks, while heatwaves were classified as high priority, reflecting the more advanced stage of existing adaptation measures.

The analysis also highlighted governance challenges, particularly in coordinating responsibilities between different administrative levels in managing public spaces.

Engaging stakeholders and citizens

Stakeholder engagement played a central role throughout the process. Workshops, mapping exercises and participatory activities helped refine indicators and validate results, while also improving awareness among citizens. The experience showed that communication is critical: translating complex risk assessments into accessible formats remains essential to support both decision-makers and the public.

Stakeholder engagement was central throughout the process, with workshops, mapping exercises and participatory activities helping to refine indicators, validate results, and raise awareness among citizens. The Hungarian experience demonstrated that effective communication is critical, as translating complex risk assessments into accessible formats is essential to support both decision-makers and the public.

Key lessons include the importance of localised, high-resolution data, the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, the shift towards area-based interventions, and the pivotal role of stakeholder involvement. As highlighted during the CLIMAAX Virtual Regions Forum, this case confirms that successful climate risk assessment relies on connecting data, local knowledge, and governance processes into a coherent framework for action.