Summary
Like many countries worldwide, Chile faces significant geological and climate risks, which are exacerbated by climate change, and threaten ecosystems, infrastructure, social and economic development, in addition to physical and mental health. To address these challenges, communities in Chile must plan for, implement, and monitor risk prevention and climate adaptation strategies in synergy with other planning processes and investments.
The Strengthening Capacities and Civic Participation for Climate Resilient Communities in Chile project seeks to support municipalities in Chile in addressing climate change by providing technical and planning support for the development and implementation of Local Climate Action Plans.
The project was conceived in response to the Climate Change Framework Law that Chile approved in 2022. The law outlines the legislative path to meet its 2020 Nationally Determined Commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, while reducing vulnerability and increasing the country's resilience to the adverse effects of climate change.
In accordance with this law, municipalities are mandated to develop their Local Climate Action Plans by June 2025. However, many local governments lack the knowledge, human capital, and financial resources to conduct the inclusive and participatory planning processes required to ensure Local Climate Action plans meet the needs and challenges of all citizens impacted by climate risks. Under the Strengthening Capacities project, local government leaders, researchers, practitioners, and community leaders will come together over a two-year period, through participatory workshops and innovative planning meetings to develop local plans and strategies that address the ways climate change could affect community life.
Through these participatory and inclusive activities, and alignment with local priorities and policies, the project aims to integrate diverse community voices into effective climate change solutions, strengthening communities’ ability to plan for and implement effective resilience measures.
Partners:
- Center for Climate and Resilience Research, University of Chile
- Institute for Disaster Resilience
- Columbia Global Center Santiago
- National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Columbia University
Team
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Hugo Sarmiento
Columbia UniversityProject LeadRead Full Bio arrow_right_altHugo Sarmiento is an Assistant Professor in the Urban Planning Program at Columbia GSAPP, and faculty affiliate at the Climate School’s Center for Resilient Cities and...
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Antonia Samur
ConsultantProject LeadRead Full Bio arrow_right_altAntonia Samur is a consultant to the project. She was formerly a senior staff associate at the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia Climate School, where her work...
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Jeff Schlegelmilch
Columbia UniversityProject LeadRead Full Bio arrow_right_altJeff Schlegelmilch is a research scholar and the Director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at the Columbia Climate School at Columbia University. In this role, he...
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Christian Molinari
Columbia UniversityProject TeamRead Full Bio arrow_right_altChristian Molinari is programming officer at the Columbia Global Center in Santiago, Chile. Before coming on board with the Santiago Center, Molinari worked as a freelance...
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Macarena Pérez
ITRENDProject TeamRead Full Bio arrow_right_altMacarena Pérez is director of Partnerships at the Chilean Institute for Disaster Resilience. Macarena is a geographer and Master in Human Settlements and Environment from the...
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Danilo Miranda
ITRENDProject TeamRead Full Bio arrow_right_altDanilo Miranda has a background in political science and a master's degree in government and society, specializing in stakeholder analysis, legislative tracking, and policy...
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Gemita Navarrete
ITRENDProject TeamRead Full Bio arrow_right_altGemita Navarrete is a journalist specializing in comprehensive disaster risk management at the Institute for Disaster Resilience. She has a degree in journalism from the...
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Rodolfo Sapiains
University of ChileProject TeamRead Full Bio arrow_right_altRodolfo Sapiains is a principal investigator at the Center for Climate and Resilience Research. His role focuses on coordinating the Governance and Science-Policy interface team at...
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Javiera Gárate
University of ChileProject TeamRead Full Bio arrow_right_altJaviera Gárate is a professional with experience at the intersection of environmental science and social sciences, specializing in the analysis and development of quantitative and...
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Javier Romero
University of ChileProject TeamRead Full Bio arrow_right_altJavier is a sociologist and Master's in Environmental Management and Planning from the University of Chile, with extensive experience in the study of climate change and the...
Go Deeper
News
To learn more, visit the University of Chile’s website on the project and the following related articles and press releases:
- February 2026 — Columbia and Chile Partners Launch Guides for Community Climate Change Action Plans
- November 2025 — COP30 and the Local Challenge: Lessons from Chile in the implementation of community climate action
- April 2025 — Climate Resilience Team Holds Participatory Workshops in Alto del Carmen to Advance Local Action Plan
- December 2024 — Columbia University and Chilean Research Centers Join Forces to Support Municipalities in Developing Their Climate Action Plans [English, Español]