About the region

Terras de Trás-os-Montes is in northeastern part of Portugal and has a population of around 107 000 inhabitants.

“There are places like this, which we would like to call home, where every trip is a discovery, every departure a passionate longing. That's what the Lands of Trás-os-Montes are like.”
Aerial view of a picturesque town with red-roofed buildings, surrounded by fields and hills under a clear blue sky.

© Terras de Trás-os-Montes Region

Main climate risks

heatwaves

The Terras de Trás-os-Montes is vulnerable to heatwaves which have become more frequent and intense in recent years. For example, the nearby Douro region has recorded a record temperature of 47.0 Celsius on July 14, 2022, the highest ever for July in mainland Portugal [1]. However, most homes in Portugal are not equipped to deal with heat stress: according to the 2021 census, 83% of Portuguese live in houses without air conditioning [1].

droughts

Droughts are a big issue in Portugal, especially in South Portugal and inland areas, namely northeast. Climate projections show that droughts will continue to increase in frequency and intensity with decreasing precipitation [2].

wildfires

Terras de Trás-os-Montes region is prone to wildfires, especially during the summer season, driven by drought and low air humidity, as well as during traditional forest clearing periods in spring and fall, due to people's lack of prevention.

Firefighters and vehicles on a road approach a large wildfire with thick smoke and bright flames, surrounded by trees and greenery.

© Terras de Trás-os-Montes Region

Focus during Pathways2Resilience

Terras de Trás-os-Montes regions wants to drive climate resilience with focused capacity building, clear adaptation roadmaps, and strategic financial planning to sustainably manage agriculture, water resources and other critical sectors. Water management is the priority for the region.

Interesting highlights

Following the approval of the Basic Climate Law in Portugal in 2021, the municipalities of Terras de Trás-os-Montes have developed their Municipal Climate Action Plans, which have already been in public consultation and are now in the formal approval phase. This initiative has made it possible to consolidate objectives, principles and obligations in the field of climate action, followed in the near future by their implementation.

Regional Resilience Journey

Terras de Trás-os-Montes region has medium preparedness for all three RRJ steps.

The Terras de Trás-os-Montes region has good capacities in Capabilities and Skills and Experiment, Learn and Reflect.

Key community systems priority areas

  • water-management

  • land-food

  • economy

Key enabling conditions priority areas

  • finances-resources

  • governance-engagement-collaboration

  • behavioural-change

References

[1] –

“Portugal Heatwave, 2022 - Forensic Analysis | UNDRR,” September 17, 2024

[2] –

Carl-Friedrich Schleussner et al., “Climate Impacts in Portugal,” 2019.