Turku University of Applied Sciences maps water-related climate risks in IKI project

Turku University of Applied Sciences’ Water and Environmental Protection research group is participating in the Climate-Resilient Investment Projects (IKI) – Preparing for Regional Climate Risks in Urban Planning and Design project by mapping water-related climate risks and their management.

Experts from Turku University of Applied Sciences develop, among other things, risk maps related to stormwater, which support evidence-based urban planning and promote sustainable investments according to the EU taxonomy.

The IKI project is developing a map-based approach to support adaptation to climate change. The aim is to produce spatially-based data on regional climate risks, identify key regional adaptation measures and develop monitoring of adaptation. The tools developed in the project will be suitable both to support urban planning and to strengthen the sustainability of the region’s economy. The main coordinator of the project is the City of Turku, with the participation of Turku University of Applied Sciences and the University of Turku.

Public datasets map out climate risks

For the first time in Finland, public map layers describing climate risks provide an overview of regional climate risks from the perspective of the application of the EU taxonomy. Key climate risks are considered from the perspectives of temperature, water management and soil.

“The project is a great opportunity to promote the use of scientific research results in practical urban planning,” says Juuso Suomi, University Lecturer and responsible project leader at the University of Turku.

“Regional risk assessment contributes to adaptation to climate change. By developing risk maps, such as those related to stormwater, we support evidence-based urban planning and promote sustainable investments in line with the EU taxonomy,” says Jan-Hendrik Körber, Specialist at Turku University of Applied Sciences.

A tool to support the planning of investment projects

In addition to the climate risk maps, the project is compiling a list of measures according to the EU taxonomy’s criteria for adaptation to climate change. The aim is to compile solutions suitable for different sectors, which companies and municipalities can use in their climate change adaptation planning. For monitoring purposes, a set of indicators will be piloted to assess the effectiveness of adaptation measures. During the project, workshops will be organised involving businesses in the region and municipalities.

“Preparing for climate risks requires timely and proactive information. The IKI project makes a significant contribution to climate risk assessment and strengthening climate resilience in the Turku region,” says Hilja Kurkinen, project manager.

The results will be published in autumn 2026 for use by regional stakeholders, facilitating regional climate risk management. The City of Turku is proactive in developing sustainable and nature-positive climate change preparedness. The IKI project is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.