In Latvia’s Zemgale region, local and regional authorities are taking active steps to address the growing impacts of climate change. From heavy storms and hail to flash floods, extreme weather events are increasingly affecting communities, infrastructure, and local economies. While project-based funding has enabled the development of some adaptation measures, long-term resilience depends on better resource planning, staff training, and stronger technological support.
Within the IMPETUS project, the Boreal demo site has worked on bringing these elements together. As demo site leader Ingrīda Brēmere explains, their approach includes supporting municipalities in identifying priorities, mobilising resources, and raising awareness among citizens and stakeholders.
According to the European Committee of the Regions, 90% of climate change adaptation measures are undertaken by local and regional authorities. Looking at your own region, do you think the local authorities have the resources to implement these measures? What do you think they are missing?
IB: “Measures to climate change adaptation are getting an increasing attention by local and regional authorities in the Zemgale region. Municipalities allocate resources to different categories of measures, both non-structural and structural. However, municipalities often rely on project-based funding from the EU or national sources. Targeted planning and clear prioritisation of measures is essential. Increasing knowledge of the staff and improving technological support for resource mobilisation at municipalities would enhance the implementation success.”
Have locals, policymakers or businesses generally become more vocal about changes in their environment due to climate change?
IB: “People tend to raise their voices in response to extreme events related to climate change, such as heavy storms, heil, flash floods – especially when it results in property damage. Local governments are responsible for dealing with the consequences of these weather events. Businesses are filing claims to insurance companies, but the procedure is time-consuming and cumbersome.”
You have been developing climate adaptation packages in the project. Is there one measure that has stood out to you, or that you’re most proud of?
IB: “Adaptation to climate change requires a consolidated approach and thus packages combining multiple measures are most effective. However, raising awareness and building capacity are often underestimated, but are crucial for long-term resilience.”
Throughout the project, you collaborated with partners from the six other demonstration sites. Were you surprised to find any problem (or solution) that was common to another demo site?
IB: “Although the demonstration sites are scattered across Europe and face different climate change challenges, we found common ground. In all demo sites, the need for targeted planning and prioritisation of adaptation measures is essential. In addition, raising awareness among local communities is also a shared priority across demo sites.”
What are the next steps for your demo site, and for your research?
IB: “The IMPETUS project has produced valuable outputs related to climate change adaptation planning: an early warning system and adaptation pathways, including Nature Based Solutions as an alternative to conventional measures. Our next step is to disseminate these results at events in Zemgale and other regions in Latvia and thus promote uptake. We will continue networking and cooperating with stakeholders to advance adaptation to climate change.”
Last year floods in parts of Jelgava caused around €13 million in damages. Have you noticed events like these have brought more attention to your work?
IB: “During a project workshop with stakeholders, we reflected on these extreme floods, and relevant authorities shared their experiences. As a result, we have seen a growing attention and interest in our work.”
The experience in Zemgale echoes a challenge faced across Europe: while the climate risks may differ, the needs for local engagement, targeted planning, and practical knowledge are universal. Through collaboration with other demo sites, the Boreal team has confirmed that awareness-raising and capacity-building are essential, no matter the regional context.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on scaling up the use of early warning systems, sharing adaptation pathways, including nature-based solutions, and strengthening collaboration among Latvian regions. In the face of rising climate risks, such efforts are key to transforming short-term responses into long-term preparedness.
