CAIC25 Programme | Thursday, 10 July 2025

^{10 July, 10:00 – 12:00 | Flora | EN & DE}
CAIC25 plenary
Just act!

When it comes to the climate, we know which path we need to take and we have a good idea about how best to get there – we just need to act! Our keynote speaker, renowned neuroscientist and physician Dr. Volker Busch, will help us lower the barriers to action by providing insight into the science of motivation and exploring just where we need to look to help people find it. Good practice examples from cities and towns in action – taken together with their lessons learned – will round off the session with tangible advice for municipal climate practitioners. Leave this session with the motivation you need to advance, deliver and inspire concrete climate action!
 

^{10 July, 12:00 – 14:00 | Flora}
Lunch break

Enjoy a joint lunch break, let the morning's insights sink in and have lunch with fellow climate practitioners in Cologne's Flora and Botanical Garden!
 

^{10 July, 14:00 – 15:30 | Various locations}
Workshop Slot I

• Workshop on winning citizens over
  Winning citizens over on climate: Best practice speed-dating (EN)
  
  It's not what you say, it's how you say it – a maxim that also applies to climate action. But what does convincing communication on local climate protection and adaptation measures sound like? This session presents a range of local campaigns, initiatives and approaches with impact! To the point and concrete, the interactive format allows ample space for questions and dialogue. Take home a bouquet of inspiring ideas for your communication! Agenda
   
• Workshop on financing action
  Financing climate action despite budgets constraints (EN)
  
  Climate action is a must – this much is clear. But how best to finance climate action when budgets are tight is a topic that is typically much more difficult to address. This workshop will empower municipal representatives to better navigate the diverse landscape of climate action financing. Gain practical insights from concrete examples on how to access regional, national, and international funding opportunities and learn strategies for leveraging private sector partnerships!
   
• Workshop on climate adaptation
  Building local resilience with green-blue infrastructure(EN)
  
  Trees, green facades, water infiltration systems — green-blue infrastructure can cool cities, provide shade, enhance urban appeal and reduce flood risk during heavy rain. What should municipalities consider when planning and implementing such infrastructure? Take part in this workshop and hear from municipalities already active in the field. Take an in-depth look at exemplary projects, get guidance and discuss the opportunities and challenges! Agenda
   
• Workshop on agile administrations (EN)
  Agile and climate-conscious adminstrations: A simulation game
  
  Municipal adminstrations that call for climate action on the ground while also fostering climate-consciousness within their own ranks are examples to uphold. But what exactly does this mean and how can climate-consciousness truly guide administrative realities? Take part in this simulation to better understand your options for effective priority setting with an agile approach – for more breathing room in the day-to-day grind and better teamwork on new and important tasks! This workshop is organised by Kommunal Agentur NRW.

   

^{10 July, 16:00 – 17:30 | Various locations}
Workshop Slot II

• Workshop on global partnerships
  How cooperation with indigenous peoples enriches local climate action(EN | ES)
  
  Rainforest protection in partnership with indigenous peoples of Amazonia forms a pillar of Climate Alliance’s work. But how can cities and towns profit directly from such cooperation? In this workshop, participants will gain insight from real examples of global climate partnerships: understand how to forge and maintain them, learn what forms they can take and discover how they can benefit your municipality!
   
• Workshop on climate communication
  Climate dialogue: Communicating climate action in municipalities(EN)
  
  Environmental psychology has much to teach us in terms of how to more effectively communicate on climate, but how exactly can we apply its principles to our own contexts and our current work? Participate in this session to develop your communication on municipal climate action. Gain key psychological insights and explore how best to put them into practice during this hands-on session! This workshop is organised by NRW.Energy4Climate, tthe regional organisation for energy and climate protection.
   
• Workshop on energy poverty
  Understanding Energy Poverty: Building Local Capacity for Inclusive Solutions (EN)
  
  When it comes to energy poverty, local governments are key to identifying those at risk and developing tailored local solutions. This session will empower municipalities to better recognise vulnerable groups, understand their needs, and design interventions that are both practical and targeted. Take part in collaborative exercises and scenario building while exploring a range of approaches — from building renovation to capacity-building and inclusive policy development!
   
• Workshoop on heat planning
  Success factors for the implementation of municipal heat planning (DE)
  
  Municipal heating planning is a pillar of the energy transition and creates planning security for necessary investments. For successful implementation, it is crucial that the relevant stakeholders develop a common understanding of the future heat supply at an early stage. What are the success factors in process management, data procurement, public participation and implementation? Join us and exchange ideas with experts on successful heat planning!
   

^{10 July, as of 18:00 | Bumann & Sohn}
Dinner

Round off and wrap up a day full of insights, discussions and inspiration at a trendy and climate-friendly Cologne location with dinner, drinks and exchange!
 

Wednesday, 9 July | Friday, 11 July | Programme overview