Anna Storgaard
November 11, 2025
The Ramboll Foundation funds climate adaptation tool – endorsed globally through C40 Cities and United Nations
In a collaboration between Ramboll, the City of Copenhagen, New York City, and Brooklyn College NYC, and Vienna Research Center for Visual Computing, the new digital tool enables cities to simultaneously calculate and address the impacts of flooding and urban heating through nature-based solutions, as well as the effects of the mitigation actions proposed.
The tool can be used to analyse both data rich urban areas in cities in Europe and North America, as well as in emerging economies where data about urban areas is sometimes scarce. The tool aims to enhance climate resilient urban planning with advanced flooding and microclimate simulations, extending accessibility beyond traditional technical experts.
The tool is funded by a grant of DKK 1.18 million. We have previously funded the research behind the tool with DKK 1.7 million in 2022.
Our objective is to help cities make a convincing business case for climate adaptation. When you show a clear vision for climate adaptation at urban scale, combined with a strong business case, you have a greater chance of attracting investment into nature-based solutions.
Ramboll, C40, and UNEP will partner to roll out the tool, levering their institutional knowledge, and networks with large number of cities worldwide that are facing climate impacts. The aspiration is to democratise the urban planning conversation, allowing for broader participation and input, which can potentially lead to more community-informed, resilient urban environments.
The anticipated outcomes include a unique, integrated tool that facilitates informed decision-making in urban transformation, enabling the consideration of climate impacts in design choices. This will significantly contribute to more flood resilient cities, efficient energy use, better public space design, and mitigation of urban heat island effects, contributing to increased overall urban well-being.
Helping convene partners such as the UN, C40 Cities, and Ramboll to increase our collective impact is immensely meaningful. This project is a great example of collaboration across research, business, NGOs, cities, and international organisations that will help scale sustainable climate adaptation. The Ramboll Foundation is pleased to engage and support with real positive change on people, nature, and society.
Enhancing the quality of life in the built environment is a core strategic focus area of the Ramboll Foundation, and we believe that it’s necessary to rethink and reshape urban environments, including infrastructure and climate adaptation, that enhance people's well-being, health, and quality of life.
Want to know more?
Asbjørn Kristensen Høgsbro
Head of Philanthropy
+45 61 24 63 69