The division is dedicated to the development and application of models for climate analysis and its impacts at the local scale, supporting communities in managing climate risks and defining adaptation policies. By combining advanced research and climate services, the division aims to strengthen local resilience, addressing the challenges posed by climate change at both the national and international levels.

A key aspect of the division is the development of high-resolution regional climate models, with a particular focus on extreme events, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. The research primarily focuses on the development of “convection-permitting” models, which allow for more accurate simulation of intense and localized atmospheric phenomena. In addition to this established expertise, innovative techniques such as statistical downscaling and the use of artificial intelligence are being adopted to enhance the understanding of local climate. Furthermore, the division utilizes in situ and satellite data platforms for verifying and developing climate analyses, providing advanced tools for increasingly accurate knowledge of the local climate and its impacts across different contexts. The division participates in numerous national and international research programs, such as EURO-CORDEX and MENA-CORDEX, to improve climate downscaling tools and foster a more detailed understanding of expected local climate changes. For over ten years, it has been collaborating on the development of limited-area models for weather forecasting, including COSMO and ICON, and uses the WRF model for various meteorological applications.

To ensure optimal use of data and analyses on climate change and its related impacts, the division also develops customized climate services. These services integrate advanced data analysis techniques and artificial intelligence to offer effective solutions in analyzing impacts and risks, supporting the definition of adaptation strategies at the local level. Through the Dataclime digital platform (www.dataclime.com), users can visualize and study extreme events and their impacts, utilizing high-resolution data and easily integrating this climate information into decision-support systems. Dataclime also offers numerous other climate services, developed over the years by the division, thanks to close collaboration with companies, local authorities, and national and international research projects.

The division is also committed to improving traditional civil engineering tools, adapting them to the challenges posed by climate change and identifying new opportunities for sustainable development. Advanced methods are being developed for geo-hydrological risk management, resilient infrastructure design, and updating technical regulations to ensure the safety and efficiency of constructions.

Particular attention is given to managing climate risks in urban areas. In this context, the division studies urban resilience at both micro and macro levels, integrating interdisciplinary skills, local knowledge, and scientific methodologies to promote social change and ensure the long-term sustainability of urban contexts. In addition to using the tools described above, the division adopts participatory models for planning and designing innovative adaptation solutions, collaborating with local governance and communities.

All these tools are applied to support public and private entities, both nationally and internationally, contributing to the development of effective solutions for decision-making in key sectors such as health, infrastructure, and many others.