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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.

In partnership with:

• Center for Climate and Resilience Research, University of Chile
• Institute for Disaster Resilience 
• Columbia Global Center Santiago
• National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Columbia University