CityLinks Climate Adaptation Partnership Program

DESCRIPTION: This project was an opportunity for communities that have begun to grapple with climate challenges to share best practices and lessons learned with their colleagues in developing countries. Selected Resource Cities were paired with Applicant Cities with similar geopraphy, topography, population sizes, climate risks, etc. combining a science-based approach with practical application to assist the municipality in preparing for future climate impacts. Local governments from both cities interacted with one another via meetings and visits to exchange knowledge on adapatation. A climate scientist, identified by the UCCRN at Columbia University, would provide technical and scientific expertise during the exchange.

OUTCOMES: Through a series meetings and visits from Resource City staff, Applicant Cities developed climate action plans. The trips consisted of site tours, visits to universities, environmental agencies, and assorted organizations enacting climate projects in the area, meetings with key stakeholders, and working sessions. In total, there were four pairs of cities during the partnership -- Shimla, India and Boulder, Colorado; Semarang, Indonesia and Gold Coast, Australia; La Ceiba, Honduras and Somerville, Massachusetts; and Portmore, Jamaica and Townsville, Australia. City staff from all cities were able to further hone their technical and management skills and apply their creativity to generate solutions for development challenges many cities worldwide currently experience.