Exercise in Kristiansand informs cross-sectoral cooperation model for climate resilience

On 22 April, ClimaResponse partners attended and observed an exercise organised by Kristiansand Municipality in Norway, bringing together the city’s cross-sectoral Climate Resilience Working Group (CRWG). Participants included representatives from municipal authorities, emergency services and the Red Cross.

The exercise focused on reflecting on and evaluating a large-scale flood simulation carried out in Kristiansand in September 2025. The simulation was based on real data from the major flooding that affected the city in 2017, allowing participants to work through realistic scenarios. The exercise aimed to support a shared understanding among stakeholders and identify how cooperation across sectors can be strengthened in practice.

Discussions addressed key areas such as communication, information systems and transport, with particular attention to how these interconnect in crisis situations. Participants identified priority challenges and explored possible solutions to improve coordination.

The exercise resulted in a draft cross-sectoral cooperation action plan, outlining concrete actions, responsibilities and timelines to enhance collaboration among the participating actors.

On 23 April, a follow-up workshop organised by Åbo Akademi, Finland built on the findings from the exercise. Observations and lessons learned informed discussions on the Terms of Reference and a proposed model for cross-sectoral CRWGs under the ClimaResponse project.

The model is intended to guide municipalities across the Baltic Sea Region in establishing and strengthening their own cross-sectoral working groups for climate resilience planning.

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