Competence Center for Businesses and Climate Adaptation
Climate change is a growing challenge for all parts of our society. The economy in particular is affected by climate-related impacts. On the one hand, companies must adapt to increasing hazards; on the other hand, they are in the focus as solution providers.
Challenge
The State Government of North Rhine-Westphalia advocates for a climate-resilient development in social, environmental, and economic terms. To support climate adaptation efforts across the economy, the State Government is developing a competence center/ business network on climate adaptation in and by businesses. The network aims to be the central point of contact for businesses on climate adaptation in North Rhine-Westphalia and provides support to open up new (inter)national markets. Likewise, businesses are activated to deal with climate risks and to increase their own climate resilience.
Approach
We set out to identify, activate and represent a network of businesses that have a need to adapt to climate change (demand side) – and with businesses that offer solutions (products, services) with regard to climate adaptation (supply side).
In parts, we led the network management, collected and provided information on risks, measures and costs, addressed potential member businesses to form the supplier-side network, developed a database of businesses offering climate adaptation solutions and consulted and cooperated with stakeholders and key institutions.
Impact
Developing a Competence Center in North Rhine-Westphalia for better climate adaptation by businesses.
The experience of a Rebel
