Brittany launches Regional Climate Observatory
The Brittany Region has launched the Regional Environment and Climate Observatory (Observatoire de l'Environnement en Bretagne – OEB) to address the increasing impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather events. This regional initiative aims to provide reliable data and tools that help communities adapt to a changing climate.
Established in December 2021, the observatory operates under the guidance of local authorities and is supported by researchers, technical experts, and data providers. It serves as a central platform for collecting and processing environmental and climate data. The observatory’s mission is to offer accessible reports and digital tools that support local and regional adaptation strategies.
One of the most innovative features is its interactive dashboard, “Mon territoire sous +4°C” (“My Territory Under +4°C”), which allows users to explore future climate projections across different administrative levels in Brittany – from communes and departments to watersheds. The tool visualizes potential changes such as the frequency of tropical nights or the intensity of extreme weather events, helping stakeholders identify vulnerabilities and make evidence-based decisions.
The observatory has already achieved several tangible results. It has published a summary document titled “Key Climate Figures for Brittany,” offers a dedicated section on climate change on its website, and reports over 25,000 monthly visitors. The data is actively used in climate adaptation planning by regional policymakers, guided by recommendations from the Brittany Regional Council.
This good practice is backed by multi-source funding, including regional, national, and European contributions (notably from ADEME and the ERDF), ensuring its long-term sustainability. The observatory team includes experts such as a technical project manager, a data officer, and a scientific editor, all dedicated to adaptation issues.
The model established in Brittany offers valuable lessons for other European regions. Its emphasis on accessibility, scientific rigor, and policy relevance has attracted interest from several areas looking to replicate or adapt the initiative. Transfer can be supported through interregional partnerships, technical training, and knowledge exchange workshops.
More information is available on the Observatory’s official website: https://bretagne-environnement.fr