About the region

Gorenjska has a population of 210.000 with Kranj as the largest city of the area.

Main climate risks

wildfires

Gorenjska’s 70% forest cover makes it vulnerable to wildfires, especially during dry periods [1]. A major fire in 2022 burned 700 hectares, requiring extensive firefighting efforts [2]. Climate change will likely increase the frequency and severity of wildfires, which is concerning for the region’s nature-based tourism [3].

heatwaves

From 1961 to 2019, average temperatures rose by 2°C, with further increases expected. Vulnerable groups are at higher risk during heatwaves, leading to increased mortality [4]. Urban areas will experience intensified heat, requiring mitigation strategies like better urban planning and emergency preparedness [5].

floods

While summer evaporation has increased, annual precipitation is expected to rise by up to 20% by century’s end. Areas like Kranj and Skofja Loka face medium flood risks, and flash floods are likely to increase in intensity and frequency, requiring enhanced water retention and infrastructure protection [6].

Aerial view of a town flooded by muddy waters, with submerged roads and partially inundated houses under a cloudy sky.

© Gorenjska

Focus during Pathways2Resilience

During P2R, Gorenjska region seeks to o bridge the financing gaps which exist within current climate adaptation projects in the region among its 18 local municipalities. The aim is to drive local capacity building and improve local enabling conditions for climate adaptation by improving governance structures and cooperation. This should enable a better understanding of the local needs and create a more favourable local environment for successful deployment of adaptation strategies according to the application. Improving local structures for climate adaptation is also aimed at better attracting and utilising national and European resources and focus on projects in the area.

Interesting highlights

A draft of Climate Act is currently under discussion and is expected to be adopted later this year.

At the end of last year, the Climate Office was established, strengthening the link between local and national levels.

The LIFE 4Adapt project is currently underway – a strategic initiative led by the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy. Over the next seven years, the project will address the full scope of climate change adaptation at national, regional, and local levels.

Regional Resilience Journey

Gorenjska has medium readiness for all 3 RRJ steps.

Gorenjska has the highest capacities in Knowledge and Data.

Key community systems priority areas

  • water-management

  • health-wellbeing

  • infrastructure

  • land-food

Key enabling conditions priority areas

  • governance-engagement-collaboration

  • finances-resources

Extras

The Gorenjska region is adapted and resilient to climate change: -Gorenjska is a model of a sustainable and resilient environment. -In Gorenjska, we work together as a community to shape a resilient future. -We are guiding the development of Gorenjska towards harmony with nature.