Atlantic region faces climate change impacts and a path to resilience
The Atlantic region remains highly exposed to shifts in climate. Storms are intensifying, the hydrological cycle is shifting, and temperatures and precipitation patterns are changing. These changes carry serious implications for farming and the broader food system. Despite the uncertainties surrounding how climate change will directly and indirectly affect agriculture, a clear purpose emerges: RiskWaterSoil seeks to build a robust plan for soil and water risk management to strengthen rural communities in the Atlantic corridor.
From its start in 2017, project partners have collaborated across borders to combat the negative effects of climate change on farmland. The plan unfolds in three stages, each tied to a specific objective:
1) Early warning and diagnosis: This stage tests affordable methods to measure and forecast local weather impacts. The data produced supports quicker detection of risks in rural areas. Diagnostic work is extended by climate scenarios and forecasts, and by improving climate information services for farmers.
2) Implementation and adaptation: This phase pilots actions on farms to improve soil and water management while accounting for climate risk and variability.
3) Capacity building and access: Local communities and farmers receive training to boost skills, collaboration, and the capacity to manage risk and support damage compensation systems.
Rehabilitation of rural areas
In summary, RiskAquaSoil aims to coordinate better identification, risk management, and rehabilitation of rural zones including marine and land areas. The work supports agricultural needs and aligns with national, regional, and local policies. The project path extends through May 2023 and emphasizes stronger coordination in the Atlantic region. This coordination targets how natural, climatic, and human factors interact, and it seeks alignment with existing governance at multiple levels.
Land affected by drought in Doñana. European Press
RiskAquaSoil is organized around three core axes: land management, water management, and damage compensation systems. The initiative targets three main groups:
one) Farmers and rural development and climate change institutions. Farmers are central to RiskAquaSoil. As the project progresses, they participate in technical activities following citizen science actions.
two) Political leaders. The project aims to create a flexible framework for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of actionable information to adapt policy strategies to regional climate impacts.
3) Public opinion. The aim is to spread information and raise awareness about strengthening resilience and planning in the Atlantic regions facing natural disasters and climate impacts on rural and agricultural areas. An editorial is published and public events are held to share findings with a non technical audience.
Media coverage and risk communication
Media studies examine how climate change is reported in the countries involved. The analysis notes a tendency toward future oriented, distant frames and messages about potential threats, sometimes with unstable political and scientific narratives. The role of civil society in adapting to climate change is often less visible.
Guadiana is under the bridge connecting Spain to Portugal. EFE
Rather than driving social climate action, some media coverage may contribute to widespread disengagement from climate issues, with limited emphasis on civil society efforts in tackling the challenge. This finding highlights the need for clearer communication about practical adaptation steps.
RiskAquaSoil comprises fourteen partners from five countries: Portugal, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. Key participants include the Supreme Council for Scientific Research CSIC, the Andalusian Environment and Water Agency, the Spanish Meteorological Agency Aemet, CajaMar Caja Rural, and the University of Oviedo’s Institute for Land Resources and Management. The initiative receives co funding from the European Regional Development Fund ERDF.
Project website: RiskAquaSoil is available at riskquasoil example site with internal project notes and public summaries used for stakeholder engagement and policy planning.