Transnational networks helping cities in climate change response

The second key note paper of the European Climate Champions conference is written by Dr. Kristine Kern, a researcher on environmental policy issues. In her paper, Dr. Kern writes: When cities develop their own initiatives and try to influence international decisions directly, they change from being policy-takers to policy-makers.

It's true that transnational city networks such as ICLEI, UBC, Energy Cities and Climate Alliance etc. working with climate issues can be of great help to their member cities. They can either use direct lobbying, financial incentives or direct consultation and collaborative efforts in an international setting.

In the CHAMP training series we have seen that peer support and capacity building offered by these networks is really of great value to the cities. What ways do you think this kind of city networks can help cities?

Read the keynote paper by Kristine Kern here and feel free to discuss it in the comment section of this post!

European Partnership on Integrated Urban Sustainability Management launched in June!

The CHAMP project consortium is launching a European Partnership on Integrated Urban Sustainability Management on the 4th of June in Brussels, in connection with the Resilient Cities Conference.

The European Partnership aims at establishing a long sustaining support structure for local sustainability. It will further develop the goals of CHAMP and serves as a competence network for exchange and knowledge growth. Moreover, it will provide members with training on integrated sustainability management and increase the interaction various campaigns and initiatives. The Partnership targets organizations that can facilitate and train local authorities in using the Integrated Management System, but it also welcomes interested local and regional authorities.

For more information about the event and the European Partnership, have a look at the CHAMP website and join us in the launching event!