Combining Advanced Systems for Climate Adaptation and Disaster Enhancement in Stockholm (CASCADE)

Project name and -number: Combining Advanced Systems for Climate Adaptation and Disaster Enhancement in Stockholm (CASCADE)
Project leader: Zahra Kalantari  , Division of Water and Environmental Engineering, SEED, KTH
Participating universities/companies/other organisations: RISE, Stockholm stad
Project period: 2025-01-01 - 2026-12-31
Financing: Digital Futures

Vision and Goal:

This project aims to significantly enhance the resilience and preparedness of the Stockholm city against multiple hydrometeorological hazards, particularly various types of flooding. These hazards, expected to increase in frequency and severity due to climate change, pose substantial risks to Critical Societal Services and Infrastructure (CSSIs), which are crucial for maintaining essential societal functions. The goal is to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to anticipate, respond to, and recover from these impacts.

Summary of Objectives and Methods:

To achieve its goals, the project will integrate advanced monitoring and prediction systems, a comprehensive understanding of systemic risks, and practical tools and strategies for adaptive action.
The project will employ several cutting-edge methods:

1. Advanced Monitoring and Prediction Systems: Using AI techniques like deep learning models and multivariate copula analysis to improve hazard forecasts by capturing the complex interdependencies of various hazard types. Real-time data integration will ensure timely and actionable predictions for decision-makers.
2. Assessing Infrastructure Vulnerabilities: Through network analysis and risk mapping, the project will quantify vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure systems such as roads, electricity, and water. Understanding the cascading effects of hydrometeorological hazards on these systems will help develop strategies to enhance resilience.
3. Developing a Regional Social Resilience Index (SoRI): Tailored to the Stockholm city, the SoRI will be based on the Baseline Resilience Indicators for Communities (BRIC) framework and will reflect local community needs. Extensive stakeholder consultations will ensure the index is comprehensive and applicable.
4. Creating a Multi-Hazard Adaptive Warning System (AWS): Designed for authorities and sector organizations, the AWS will feature a user-friendly interface and advanced visualization capabilities. It will integrate real-time data to deliver precise hazard predictions, extending the forecasting range of hydrometeorological hazards.
5. Co-creating Action Roadmaps: In collaboration with stakeholders, the project will develop roadmaps for adaptive actions addressing social, structural, financial, regulatory, and adaptive management mechanisms. These roadmaps will focus on the most at-risk areas, ensuring practical and sustainable solutions aligned with public sector needs.

Expected Outcomes and Impacts:

this project will significantly enhance the preparedness and adaptive capacity of the Stockholm city by:

• Developing advanced monitoring systems for timely hazard predictions.
• Understanding systemic risks and cascading effects on critical infrastructure.
• Creating practical tools and action roadmaps for resilience and sustainability.
• Facilitating stakeholder collaboration and knowledge transfer.

The collaborative effort between KTH, the City of Stockholm, RISE and other stakeholders will ensure impactful outcomes that are widely disseminated, contributing to global disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation efforts. This project will promote a safer, more resilient future for all by addressing critical gaps in current disaster preparedness and resilience strategies.

Contact