The 16th International Conference on Meteorology, Climatology, and Atmospheric Physics – COMECAP 2023 held in Athens, Greece, marked a pivotal moment for the presentation of the NEVERMORE project, particularly focusing on the Sitia case study.
Running from September 25 to 29, 2023, Margarita Golemi, a dedicated researcher at NCSR Demokritos, took an active role in the conference, unveiling a research paper titled “How Accurate Climate Information Can Help Climate Adaptation in Regional Scale: The Case Study of Sitia”. The paper, published by MDPI, delved into the intricate climatic challenges faced by the municipality of Sitia in Crete, Greece, which stands as one of the five case studies within the broader NEVERMORE project.
Specifically, the paper highlights the limitations of a coarse grid resolution in assessing small and complex geomorphology areas like Sitia. It was demonstrated that using a finer resolution through dynamical downscaling provides more accurate information on temperature and precipitation. This detailed data can assist in assessing the microclimate characteristics, utilizing SPI and FWI climate indices. It aids in identifying areas of tourism and agriculture that are vulnerable to extreme events like floods, droughts, and wildfires.
The insights gathered through this research serve as a basis for consultation meetings, enabling the local stakeholders to make well-informed decisions and offer policy recommendations for climate adaptation. The overarching objective is to deepen our understanding of anticipated impacts, thereby facilitating inclusive, risk-informed policy development.
The participation of the NEVERMORE project at the 16th COMECAP 2023 underscores its significance and substantial contribution to the realm of climate change adaptation. These events are increasingly becoming a driving force for the co-design and co-evaluation of innovative NEVERMORE models and technologies, useful for a better understanding of future scenarios and functional for the planning of possible adaptation policies for the territory.