Urgency and importance of local-scale modeling tools to support climate adaptation and sustainable development

Abstract Climate change presents a critical global challenge, threatening human well-being, ecosystems, economies, and societies. While mitigation efforts remain essential and critically important, the growing urgency of climate impacts necessitates immediate and effective adaptation measures. Effective adaptation strategies require advanced modeling tools with higher resolution, integration of ecosystem and social dynamics, and the ability to assess diverse adaptation scenarios. Local-scale models, which are performed at the scale of an administrative region, a country, or a specified region, are particularly valuable as they can incorporate specific adaptation measures and generate precise, context-specific insights. These models play a key role in formulating tailored climate adaptation strategies and action plans. This paper explores the significance and challenges in developing such models, emphasizing the pressing need to accelerate their advancement. We call on the scientific community and policymakers to prioritize the development of tailored local-scale modeling tools and services to enhance resilience and better support adaptive responses to the complex and evolving challenges posed by climate change and rapid urbanization at the local level.