DIGITAL TOOLS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS’ CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION

Abstract

The impacts of climate change directly affect the decision-making processes of local governments, given their critical responsibilities in infrastructure, disaster management, urban planning, and service provision. In this regard, digital tools have become indispensable components of policy and planning, enabling local administrations to identify, monitor, and design adaptation strategies for climate-related risks. This study analyzes the current use of digital tools by local governments in Türkiye’s climate adaptation processes and proposes recommendations for future improvement. The research evaluates the role of Geographic Information Systems [GIS], remote sensing platforms such as the Copernicus Climate Data Store and Google Earth Engine, big data analytics, cloud-based storage, and AI-supported decision-support mechanisms like Climate-ADAPT and the Urban Adaptation Support Tool. Local governments apply these instruments across a broad spectrum, ranging from disaster early warning systems and open data portals to climate scenario modeling and participatory decision-making platforms. Findings reveal that digital solutions provide significant contributions to forecasting risks such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, supporting green infrastructure planning, developing carbon emission inventories, and enhancing public awareness. Beyond offering technical data, digitalization creates strategic opportunities for participatory governance, institutional capacity building, and transparent decision-making, thereby strengthening local climate adaptation policies. The study concludes that advancing the effective and sustainable use of digital tools by local governments in Türkiye requires coherent policy frameworks, capacity-building initiatives, and data standardization. By integrating these measures, local administrations can enhance resilience, foster inclusive governance, and play a more effective role in combating the escalating challenges of climate change.