ClimateGO - Pathways to Climate-Smart Governance

Interreg Europe brings people together to share innovative and sustainable solutions to regional development challenges.

Interreg Europe organized a joint kick-off meeting for all lead partners in Antwerp, Belgium. ClimateGO also participated in the event. https://blogit.lab.fi/labfocus/en/tackling-vicious-problems-with-climate-smart-governance/ 

ClimateGO started briskly

Vibrant activity has begun in the ClimateGO project. The first meeting with the project partners was already held in March, and the regional stakeholder groups have been formed and they have already started their activities in some of the partner regions. The activity of the regional stakeholder groups will be of major importance to the project. That's why the project will invest in their operation right from the beginning. Read more about the work of the stakeholder group in the Päijät-Häme region here: https://www.labopen.fi/en/lab-pro/boosting-climate-smart-governance-with-stakeholder-cooperation/ 

First Partner Meeting in Lahti, Finland

The ClimateGO project partners convened in summery Lahti on 11–12 June 2024. The meeting provided an opportunity to deepen understanding of the City of Lahti and the Päijät-Häme region, including the region’s climate-smart practices.

A core objective of the project is the exchange of knowledge and best practices among partners. This meeting facilitated meaningful learning and collaboration, reinforcing the project's commitment to shared development and mutual learning. Read more about the meeting here: https://www.interregeurope.eu/climatego/news-and-events/news/creating-common-understanding-about-climate-smart-governance    

Second Partner Meeting in Košice, Slovakia

The second partner meeting of the ClimateGO project took place in Košice, Slovakia, on 11–12 February 2025. During the visit, participants gained valuable insights into the climate-related risks and challenges facing the Košice region, as presented by local stakeholders. The meeting also showcased regional solutions and initiatives aimed at enhancing climate resilience.

In addition, the group was introduced to the operations of KlimaPark Kysak, a local initiative contributing to sustainable development and climate awareness in the region.

https://www.interregeurope.eu/climatego/news-and-events/news/2nd-interregional-meeting-took-place-in-kosice-slovakia 

https://blogit.lab.fi/labfocus/en/proactive-adaptation-to-climate-change-is-important-in-local-regions/ 

Third Partner Meeting in Grenoble, France

The third partner meeting of the ClimateGO project was held in Grenoble, France, on 13–14 February 2025. Grenoble has continued its ambitious climate efforts following its recognition as the European Green Capital in 2022. The city is also successfully implementing the principles of the Doughnut Economy, demonstrating innovative approaches to sustainable urban development.

https://www.interregeurope.eu/climatego/news-and-events/news/grenoble-offered-holistic-vision-for-sustainable-future 

https://blogit.lab.fi/labfocus/en/grenoble-offered-a-holistic-vision-for-a-sustainable-future/ 

The Thematic Study describes "The Successes and Failures in Climate-Smart Governance in ClimateGO partner regions has been published. Learn more about the study here. 

The ClimateGO Policy Brief - Climate-smart Decision-making describes the recommendations and proposals from the ClimateGO-project to support the promotion of climate-smart decision-making in local governments. Learn more about the policy brief here

Find the policy briefs from Waterford, Alzira and Kosice in ClimateGO Library

Workshop on heat-related impacts

The ClimateGO project partners from Päijät-Häme took part in organising a workshop focused on the heat-related impacts of climate change. The workshop explored ways in which different population groups can protect themselves from the effects of prolonged heat. Hotter Days Are Becoming the New Normal

Engaging local decision-makers in climate policies

ClimateGO project has engaged local decision-makers throughout Päijät-Häme region. The mission has been to provide information to newly elected decision-makers and municipal authorities regarding climate change adaptation. This has included municipal visits, workshops, and distributing regional policy briefs to decision-makers. In addition, the ways in which decision-makers prefer to receive information related to climate change have been surveyed. https://blogit.lab.fi/labfocus/en/engaging-local-decision-makers-in-climate-policies/ 

What hinders climate action in Finland?

There are several political and societal structures and practices that slow down the sustainability transition and climate action. One identified practice is climate obstruction. Climate obstruction is about questioning, delaying or downplaying climate action. Several of the municipal actors in Päijät-Häme met by the ClimateGO project have encountered the phenomenon in their daily work. If climate obstruction takes over public debate and decision-making, there is a risk that the social acceptability of climate action will decrease and due to this action will slow down or stop altogether.

Read more about climate obstruction and other obstacles that hinder climate action in Finland from our newly released article "What hinders climate action in Finland?" published in LAB Pro.

Read more about the project: https://www.interregeurope.eu/climatego 

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