Development of a standard classification system for climate crisis adaptation information: Part-Ⅲ. Detailed structure and usability enhancement

The management of climate adaptation information requires a classification framework capable of accommodating the climatic, environmental, and socio-economic characteristics of diverse countries, while ensuring international interoperability. The Korea national climate ADaptation information Taxonomy (KADT), optimized for Korea’s climatic–environmental context based on the National Adaptation Plans (NAP) and climate risks, requires flexible extension to capture a broader range of regional characteristics and achieve wider global applicability. This study aims to develop a generalizable classification methodology to enhance the KADT’s practical applicability and international utility. We propose a three-phase methodology combining a conceptual framework with Shannon information entropy theory. Five normalized environmental assessment indicators—Climate Exposure Index (CEI), Topographic Complexity Index (TCI), Socioeconomic Exposure Index (SEI), Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), and Adaptive Capacity Index (ACI)—are integrated into a Total Environmental Assessment Index (TEAI) using weights. For operational deployment, a formal expert-elicitation procedure (Delphi/AHP) is proposed to derive specific weights. The TEAI operationalizes the IPCC AR6 adaptation formulation and guides efficient adaptation budget allocation. The three-phase methodology uses normalized entropy (H) to select target-based, impact-based, or hybrid grouping strategies. Pilot applications in South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Mongolia demonstrated cross-context applicability: H results favored target-based grouping for South Korea and impact-based grouping for the UK and Mongolia. The methodology produced 29/8, 33/7, and 35/3 detailed subclasses/subclass items, respectively, derived from entropy-based grouping rules. This research advances the KADT from a static taxonomy to a dynamic, verifiable tool for evidence-based adaptation planning, supporting international compatibility and offering a pathway toward global standardization.