The environmental group CDP has introduced a new AI-based platform to assist cities, states, and regions in transforming climate risk information into effective adaptation strategies and ready-to-fund projects.

The platform, called the Adaptation & Action Explorer, brings together climate risk data, climate adaptation, local governments, climate finance, and resilience planning tools. It aims to support decision-makers who are dealing with increasing environmental challenges. This tool was developed with help from Google.org’s Fellowship program, integrating CDP disclosure data with Google Earth Engine and Google Cloud technologies to give governments better insights into climate vulnerabilities and options for response.

Growing Climate Threats Increase Pressure on Cities

This launch comes as local governments around the world face growing risks from climate-related hazards like floods, droughts, wildfires, storms, and extreme heat. According to CDP, over 94% of subnational governments reporting through its platform in 2025 stated they have already felt the impacts of climate hazards.

The challenge is set to grow as urban populations keep rising. Right now, more than half of the global population lives in cities. The United Nations projects that this number could reach 70% by 2050. As climate risks rise with urbanization, city leaders are under pressure to enhance resilience while securing funds for adaptation efforts.

Addressing the Climate Data Challenge

Although many governments have identified climate threats impacting their communities, turning complex environmental data into practical plans remains a major hurdle. Climate information is often scattered across multiple sources and can require special skills to understand effectively.

CDP says the Adaptation & Action Explorer aims to simplify this process. It offers a centralized platform for governments to assess risks, compare adaptation strategies, and pinpoint investment priorities. The organization believes that improving access to climate information can speed up resilience planning and enhance communication with investors, development banks, and other funding bodies.

The platform uses disclosure data from over 1,000 subnational governments in more than 80 countries. Together, these areas make up about 16% of the global population, creating a substantial dataset for climate analysis.

Combining AI With Climate Mapping Technology

A key aspect of the platform is its use of climate hazard mapping through Google Earth Engine. Users can explore data on eight major climate hazards and look at geographic areas where risks are highest.

The system also allows governments to review information about vulnerable populations, at-risk sectors, barriers to adaptation, and climate-related projects needing implementation or financial aid. Through interactive mapping and analysis tools, local authorities can better understand how climate impacts could affect infrastructure, public services, and communities.

An integrated AI assistant improves the platform by allowing users to query complex datasets and create location-specific insights. CDP states this feature aims to break down technical barriers and aid evidence-based decision-making for local government teams.

Supporting Access to Climate Finance

One main goal of the Adaptation & Action Explorer is to enhance access to climate finance. While many municipalities recognize their resilience needs, they often struggle to turn those into viable projects that meet investor requirements.

The platform aims to close this gap by assisting governments in identifying adaptation measures already in practice by other areas facing similar climate risks. By studying peer experiences and disclosed adaptation actions, local authorities can craft stronger project proposals and showcase the value of investments in resilience efforts.

For investors and development organizations, this tool could provide better visibility into local adaptation priorities and project plans. Greater access to comparable climate information might also support more informed risk assessments and investment choices.

Wider Implications for Climate Governance

The launch represents a broader change in climate governance, where adaptation planning is increasingly connected to data infrastructure, financial planning, and public-private cooperation. Cities and regional governments play a crucial role in managing infrastructure, transport systems, housing, healthcare, and emergency response, making them vital to climate resilience efforts.

Industry experts observe that while climate risk assessment tools have evolved, their effectiveness will hinge on helping governments secure funding and carry out projects. Moving from climate disclosure and risk identification to actual adaptation measures is still a significant challenge for many areas.

As climate impacts grow, tools that boost access to reliable data and aid investment planning will likely become more important. CDP’s Adaptation & Action Explorer is designed to provide local governments with a clearer path from climate risk assessment to project development, potentially bolstering resilience efforts in communities facing greater environmental challenges.