Strengthening Capacities and Civic Participation for Climate-Resilient Communities in Chile
In 2022, Chile passed a landmark law requiring all municipalities to develop local climate action plans. However, many local governments lack the financial and human resources needed to conduct participatory planning processes.
Columbia World Projects and Columbia Global Center Santiago are helping to fill this gap under the Strengthening Capacities and Civic Participation for Climate-Resilient Communities in Chile program. By bringing together interdisciplinary researchers from Columbia with leading Chilean research institutions, the project team can provide municipalities with the technical expertise and strategic support needed to design inclusive climate plans that safeguard their most vulnerable populations.
Bridging National Policy and Locally Responsive Planning
This project is supporting three municipalities in Chile to bring together local policymakers, community leaders, and residents to co-create adaptive solutions to climate challenges. It leverages the expertise of researchers from Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness and the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, who are working with local institutions over two years to strengthen their capacity to plan for and monitor long-term resilience measures.
By hosting participatory workshops and innovative planning meetings, the project is ensuring that local voices — especially those most impacted by climate risks — are integrated into effective solutions.
Project Leads
Jeff Schlegelmilch
Research Scholar and Director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Columbia Climate School
Jeff 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 oversees the operations and strategic planning of the Center.
Hugo Sarmiento
Assistant Professor in the Urban Planning Program, Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation
Hugo 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 Landscapes. His research critically examines the relationship between urban climate adaptation and spatial injustices such as racial segregation and unequal housing markets.
Antonia Samur
Consultant
Antonia 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 included conducting research and managing initiatives to support disaster planning and community resilience.
Project Team
- Christian Molinari, Columbia University
- Macarena Pérez, ITREND
- Danilo Miranda, ITREND
- Gemita Navarrete, ITREND
- Rodolfo Sapiains, University of Chile
- Javiera Gárate, University of Chile
- Javier Romero, University of Chile
