Mapping climate vulnerability in Italian habitats: insights from ISPRA and copernicus data

The 2023 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report underscores the severe impact of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems, including habitat loss and coral reef mortality. These alterations jeopardize essential ecosystem services that support human communities. In this scenario, climate change poses a significant threat, highlining the urgent need for detailed studies to define targeted and effective mitigation strategies. The chapter presents a comprehensive case study in Emilia-Romagna region on mapping climate change vulnerability using geospatial techniques. The integration of various environmental factors allows to assess the Italian’s habitats most at risk from climate change impacts. The Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) mapped the Italian peninsula with a list of habitats which have been analyzed for the impact of climate change. Utilizing satellite data from the Regional Agency for Environmental Protection (ARPA) Climate Observatory, derived from Copernicus Climate Change Service, the study delineates the current state of a set of Italian habitats and identifies those most vulnerable to climate change. The study highlights the importance for continuous monitoring and adaptive approaches to address the evolving challenges posed by climate change. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating geospatial data in climate change monitoring, providing a valuable framework for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize adaptation and mitigation strategies.