Climate services provide scientifically robust information to support adaptation to climate change. But how can their quality and comparability be improved without overlooking regional needs? This report, produced as part of the EU-funded research project Climateurope2, examines the standardisation of climate services from a multi-level governance perspective. The findings highlight the opportunities offered by common standards and demonstrate why their effective implementation depends on political responsibilities, institutional cooperation and local engagement.

Common standards: Balancing quality and flexibility

Climate services help policymakers assess climate risks and plan adaptation measures. They are developed and used at European, national, regional and local levels. The report finds that common standards can improve the quality, transparency and comparability of climate services. Consistent methodologies and guidelines facilitate information exchange and can encourage the use of climate services in policy and decision-making.

At the same time, the findings caution against overly prescriptive requirements. Climate risks, institutional structures and information needs vary considerably across regions and sectors. Effective standardisation must therefore combine common quality requirements with sufficient flexibility to accommodate local circumstances.

European case studies reveal differing challenges

Case studies from Belgium, France, Spain and Poland illustrate the different ways in which climate services are embedded in national and regional adaptation policies. In Belgium, the division of responsibilities within the federal system complicates the consistent application of standards. France has made greater progress in integrating climate services into national adaptation strategies, although differences persist at regional level. In Spain, coordination between national strategies and local governance structures is particularly important. The Polish case demonstrates that making climate data available is not enough in itself. Limited resources, difficulties accessing data and a lack of specialist expertise can hinder their use in local decision-making. Additional case studies from Barcelona and the Ammerland district in Lower Saxony, Germany, underscore the importance of local participation while also showing how institutional barriers can impede the implementation of climate adaptation measures.

Participation and accessibility are essential for effective climate services

Beyond methodological considerations, the report examines how climate services are developed and used. It finds that different user groups are often not sufficiently or systematically involved in their development. The authors therefore recommend strengthening cooperation between researchers, public authorities and other stakeholders. Climate services should not only be scientifically robust but also accessible, easy to understand and tailored to specific decision-making needs.

Standardisation as a collaborative undertaking

The report calls for better coordination across levels of governance, greater integration of local knowledge and flexible standards that ensure quality and comparability while accommodating regional differences.

The findings make clear that standardising climate services is not simply a technical exercise. It also requires appropriate political and institutional frameworks, alongside the active involvement of those who use climate information in practice.