ci:grasp – Climate Impacts: Global and Regional Adaptation Support Platform

Background and Goals

ci:grasp is a web-based global information platform on the effects of climate change and possible adaptation measures. The advantage of this platform is that information is available at a regionalised level, taking into account the fact that the nature and effects of climate change are also largely differentiated at a regional level. For this purpose, an interactive world map has been implemented, that enables users to find climate adaptation measures in a number of different ways. ci:grasp is structured along probability chains of climate change that are intended to clarify what effects climate changes can have and how these effects depend on each other. This aims at providing the users with a better understanding of the system. The information platform is primarily aimed at decision-makers in developing and emerging countries.

It is the objective of the project to provide an open, interactive and intelligently adaptive information platform on climate data, climate effects and adaptation measures, thereby expanding the knowledge base of decision-makers in emerging and developing countries. This freely accessible Internet platform will be based on maps that function at three parameter levels: Climate parameters ("stimuli" level), such as temperature, sea level rise and extreme precipitation, climate change effects ("impact" level), including socio-economic effects, and adaptation measures ("adaptation" level) with information on adaptation projects and experiences.

Content time

to

Research area/region

Country
  • Brasilien
  • Chile
  • China
  • Indien
  • Indonesia
  • Jemen
  • Peru
  • Philippinen
  • Südafrika
  • Tunisia
  • Vietnam
  • global

Steps in the process of adaptation to climate change

Step 1: Understand and describe climate change

Approach and results 

The results of different emission scenarios and climate models are made available for selectable regions, together with scientific information, as well as information on the direction and uncertainties of climate stimuli.

Parameter (climate signals)
  • River flooding
  • Heat waves
  • Altered rainfall patterns
  • Higher average temperatures
  • Dry periods
Further times 

until 2100

Step 2a: Identify and assess risks - climate effects and impact

Approach and results 

Climate change has very different effects on the various habitats of the world. ci:grasp uses a "layer structure" with which the relevant information is first organized and then made available. This allows users to view the effects (impacts) of different climate stimuli for different regions. The three layers are: Stimuli, Impact, and Adaptation.

Step 2b: Identify and assess risks - Vulnerability, risks and chances

Approach and results 

Information can be found in the individual projects listed, but is not an issue dealt with by ci:grasp.

Step 3: Develop and compare measures

Measures and/or strategies 

Information is provided on adaptation projects in a number of different countries. The adaptation projects are combined with the appropriate "impacts" or "stimuli" map so that users can see at a glance whether or not adaptation projects have been implemented in the area of interest.

Many regions already have experience with climate effects, for example extreme weather events such as heat waves, floods or drought. The manner in which these events were dealt with is to be integrated into the platform, so that other decision-makers can benefit from this knowledge and possibly save costs.

Step 5: Watch and evaluate adaptation (monitoring and evaluation)

Approach, objective and results of the monitoring and/or evaluation 

The platform offers public and private stakeholders the necessary information about climate data, climate effects and adaptation measures to help avoid misdirected investments in the context of dealing with climate change. Cooperations with partners in selected target countries strengthen local capacities for assessing climate change effects. The interactive character allows the integration of further data input by the users. The platform is continuously being expanded (ci:grasp).

Participants

Funding / Financing 

German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB)

Project management 

Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)

Cooperation/Partners 

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

Contact

Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
Telegraphenberg A 31
D-14473 Potsdam

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Fields of action:
 agriculture  biological diversity  buildings  coastal and marine protection  energy infrastructure  financial services industry  fishery  human health and care  industry and commerce  soil  spatial planning, urban and settlement development  tourism industry  transport and transport infrastructure  water regime and water management  woodland and forestry