On 9 October 2025, at a conference titled “Territorial development in the age of climate change” organised by the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM), representatives of sectoral ministries, universities, municipalities and planning regions discussed territorial development issues in the context of climate change, while emphasising the significant role of municipalities in planning and implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.
Ilze Oša, Deputy State Secretary for Regional Development Affairs at VARAM: “Climate change is no longer a distant future scenario – it is already our reality today, affecting people's daily lives, the economy and security. Sometimes we can experience all four seasons in a single day. Every one of us feels the consequences of these changes – increasingly frequent rainfall and floods, periods of drought and severe storms.
Municipalities have an essential role, because they are the ones able to respond fastest when residents need protection, assistance and sustainable solutions. Those solutions are to be found both in innovation and in closer cooperation between all parties involved. It is important that every project and decision is assessed in two ways – as a contribution to achieving climate goals and, at the same time, as a contribution to residents' safety and quality of life.”
The aim of the conference was to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience on the most effective solutions for overcoming the challenges posed by climate change at local level. At the centre of the discussions were questions about how municipalities — being on the front line when residents need help — can act most quickly and effectively to reduce risks and strengthen community resilience. Participants analysed experience to date in building a climate-neutral economy, developing energy communities and improving infrastructure and utility services, and also identified opportunities for further action to integrate climate policy into territorial development.
Eleanor West, a representative of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), introduced the territorial approach to climate policy-making and urged that the specific characteristics of each territory be taken into account when planning action. The diversity of territories creates a need for a differentiated approach to climate policy-making, the setting of realistic targets and action on climate change mitigation measures.
The first part of the conference highlighted the importance of a territorial approach in implementing climate policy and the practical experience of municipalities on the path towards resilient territories. Participants gained an insight into the European Union fund support instruments administered by VARAM, current climate trends and the importance of data in decision-making. The second part, meanwhile, focused on areas essential to the day-to-day work of municipalities – the circular economy, energy communities, infrastructure and utility services – looking at practical solutions and opportunities for further action to strengthen municipal resilience.
The conference concluded with a panel discussion that sought to answer the question of how climate change can be turned into opportunities for balanced territorial development, and what support would be needed for this. The discussion involved Natālija Cudečka-Puriņa – professor at the Banking Institution of Higher Education of the University of Latvia and an expert in the social sciences at the Latvian Council of Science, Toms Akmentiņš – head of energy management at Talsi Municipality, Krista Pētersone – expert at the association “Zaļā brīvība”, and Rihards Āboltiņš – project manager at the Latvian Association of Construction Companies. The experts in the discussion stressed that climate policy requires both adaptation and active measures to mitigate climate change, yet a large share of the solutions depends on the availability of resources. The discussion placed considerable emphasis on the importance of exchanging experience and cooperating – both between municipalities and with businesses, for example by developing public-private partnership projects. It is also important not to lose focus on data – structured data collection and analysis can become the basis for attracting funding in the future. Overall, the conference confirmed that sustainable territorial development under conditions of climate change rests on science, data and cooperation. Municipalities are the central element capable of linking spatial planning, circular economy and energy innovations, while at the same time ensuring public participation and resilience to future challenges.
The conference was organised by the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM) in cooperation with the Kurzeme, Latgale, Vidzeme and Zemgale planning regions, within the framework of project No. 6.1.1.8/1/24/I/001 “Improving the skills of municipal and planning region specialists on issues of a climate-neutral economy and the mitigation of the socio-economic consequences associated with climate change”, implemented under measure 6.1.1.8 of specific support objective 6.1.1 “Mitigating the economic, social and environmental consequences of the transition to climate neutrality in the most affected regions” of the European Union cohesion policy programme for 2021–2027.
More information about the project is available at: https://www.varam.gov.lv/lv/projekts/prasmes_klimata_parmainu_radito_risku_mazinasanai