FAIR2Adapt Updated Climate Connectivity Taxonomy
The project launched a new version of its taxonomy to better standardize global climate adaptation knowledge.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Environmental
Live Poll
Do you believe standardized terminology across climate research platforms helps address global climate risks?
The FAIR2Adapt project has released a new version of its Climate Connectivity Taxonomy to bridge terminology gaps across global climate research platforms. This update improves the Climate Connectivity Hub, which aggregates data from major sources like weADAPT and PreventionWeb.
Why it matters
Climate adaptation knowledge remains fragmented across various online portals, often described using inconsistent language that hampers research. By standardizing these terms, the project helps stakeholders better navigate and share critical environmental data.
The taxonomy draws terminology from the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report and United Nations Hazard Information Profiles. The project utilizes AI-assisted tools to harvest content from platforms like CORDIS and Climate-ADAPT for human expert verification.
The players
FAIR2Adapt
This three-year research initiative is funded by the European Union Horizon Europe programme to improve knowledge accessibility.
TIB
Based in Hannover, this information center is involved in the technical development and maintenance of the research project.
The details
The system maps connections between climate terms while preserving distinct disciplinary meanings to ensure data interoperability. Users can now contribute to the tool through a new feature that allows the submission of new concepts for inclusion.
Timeline
January 2025: The FAIR2Adapt project officially started.
June 2025: An open-access API for the taxonomy was released.
February 2026: A peer-reviewed article on the project appeared in Climatic Change.
August 2026: The latest update to the Climate Connectivity Hub was released.
October 7, 2026: The new version of the taxonomy was officially released.
Deeper Dive
The taxonomy integrates terminology from the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report to align its structure with recognized international scientific standards. This follows a broader trend of utilizing established global frameworks to create interoperable knowledge systems for complex environmental research.
Researchers and policymakers can use the updated API to integrate standardized climate concepts into their own digital tools and databases. This ensures that environmental data remains consistent and discoverable, potentially speeding up the application of adaptation strategies.
The takeaway
Standardizing vocabulary is a critical step in making global climate research more accessible and actionable for international communities. Users are encouraged to utilize the new submission feature to help refine and expand the taxonomy as scientific understanding evolves.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Environmental research and data management.
More information
Access the research tools and taxonomy definitions using the Climate Connectivity Hub search tool.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Informationdienst Wissenschaft e.V. - idw.
Live Poll
Do you believe standardized terminology across climate research platforms helps address global climate risks?
