CLIMACTIVA Project: Citizen Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Risks

Climate disasters are intensifying globally, with Spain facing increasing risks from heatwaves, droughts, floods and forest fires. These events disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, especially in urban areas where social inequalities, gender and age deepen climate impacts. Addressing this challenge requires enhancing both adaptive capacity and resilience, not just to extreme events but as a part of daily life. Adaptation involves reducing exposure and vulnerability, while resilience reflects the ability to cope and recover. These efforts must go beyond economic measures and incorporate lifestyle changes, such as community care, leisure and activism. Citizen participation is essential in building effective and inclusive climate governance. CLIMACTIVA project explores eleven self-organised citizen initiatives across different Spanish regions responding to key climate risks. These groups often employ holistic approaches, such as creating green spaces that mitigate both heatwaves and flooding. Their locally grounded solutions offer valuable insights into sustainable adaptation practices. By highlighting these initiatives, the study emphasizes the importance of community-led responses in fostering resilience, complementing public policy and promoting adaptive, climate-conscious lifestyles.