The REACHOUT project aims to provide tailored climate services to urban areas facing the acute impacts of climate change. We closely collaborate with seven designated “city hubs,” serving as focal points for efficient, innovative, and resilient initiatives. 

This report delves into the City Hub Business Model (CHBM), which has been adapted into a practical self-assessment and peer review tool. This tool addresses the capacities required to scale up climate actions and facilitate transformative adaptation. Notably, the indicators have undergone rigorous testing in Milan’s city hub to assess the challenges associated with implementing the model. 

Additionally, the report explores decisions pertaining to the project’s climate services toolbox. The REACHOUT toolkit serves as a comprehensive resource, offering guidance and inspiration for bolstering climate resilience within city hubs. Embedded within the project’s Triple-A framework, this toolbox aids city hubs in analyzing climate-related risks and vulnerabilities, identifying action priorities, and establishing strategic goals for risk mitigation and adaptation. 

Drawing from experiences in applying various tools within the city hub context and conducting horizon scanning of parallel developments in climate knowledge and services, the report examines upcoming decisions crucial for ensuring the legacy of the toolbox. It assesses the advantages and disadvantages of a comprehensive climate service toolbox, as exemplified by REACHOUT. 

The bundling of diverse climate services streamlines access to solutions, fostering efficiency and cost-effectiveness for both providers and users. This approach promotes integrated climate strategies, allowing services to complement each other, while affording users the flexibility to tailor selections to their needs. Nevertheless, challenges such as initial investments, potential service overlap, and balancing standardization with customization must be carefully managed for successful toolbox implementation. 

Striking a balance between standardization and customization is essential to meet the diverse needs of users. While the REACHOUT toolbox is invaluable, consideration is given to supplementing it with additional services, particularly those aligned with the EU Mission on climate adaptation and Destination Earth initiatives. Transparent documentation of services is pivotal for aiding user decision-making within the toolbox-driven marketplace. 

Read the full report here.

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