(AGENPARL) – Thu 28 August 2025 Hello,
Spain’s Valencia region has faced catastrophic floods (190,000 affected), record heatwaves, and escalating wildfire risk in just the past year, making it one of Europe’s main climate frontline.
But there’s an inspiring adaptation story emerging: Young “climate ambassadors” are developing innovative, community-driven solutions through Climate KIC’s EU-funded programs. Just one month after Valencia’s deadly October floods, local participants in a sustainability hackathon created gamified wildfire education, real-time alert apps, and citizen science networks.
I’m not talking about top-down techno-fixes here but grassroots innovations that combine diverse perspectives (communication specialists, engineers, residents) with local knowledge. 
As one participant put it: “We must create spaces that promote community projects so young people can see how organised citizenship can really make an impact.”
This represents a shift from reactive disaster response to proactive, community-owned adaptation. A potential model for climate-vulnerable regions across Europe.
I thought this might be an interesting story to explore, with regards to the forest fires devasting Spain at the moment. I would be happy to connect you with Valencia climate ambassadors, Climate-KIC adaptation experts, local officials implementing nature-based solutions for interviews. 
Best,
Anne-Sophie
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