Ramping up climate action in BiH communities

The workshop focused on understanding climate action plans in Bosnian cities and municipalities. Developing financially feasible climate investment strategies that attract both private and public investments can help cities stay on track to achieve climate neutrality.

How is climate change affecting cities and communities in BiH?

The first day of the event focused on local climate change impacts. Fedra Vanhuyse, Head of the Societies, Climate and Policy Support Division at SEI, shared Sweden’s experiences with climate change and its economic consequences, while municipalities discussed their own challenges. Participants examined how climate change affects their regions, the adaptation and mitigation measures they’re implementing, and the difficulties they encounter. The discussions stressed the increasing frequency of weather events, such as droughts and heavy rainfalls leading to floods. Climate change is significantly impacting agriculture (with reduced yields), the built environment (landslides causing property damages and financial losses), tourism (investments in winter tourism yielding poor returns due to less snowfall). Challenges include limited funding, inadequate planning, and low public awareness.

From methods to actionable insights

The second day of the workshop in Tuzla began with an introduction to methodologies for climate action and investment planning. Participants explored key concepts, definitions, and approaches, including the Viable Cities Finance Dashboard, a tool designed to help cities understand their missions, available actions, associated costs, and potential funding sources.

Fedra Vanhuyse presented the Dashboard, explaining its role in bridging the gap between the economic and financial aspects of climate action. The tool helps us answer crucial questions: Will we achieve our climate neutrality targets by 2030? How much will it cost? Who will bear the costs? What are the additional benefits? Can we adjust and improve our scenarios? One key challenge highlighted was that cities often struggle to determine where to begin. The Dashboard provides clarity by outlining their mission, possible actions, cost implications, and potential funding partners, ultimately guiding them toward climate neutrality.

A key takeaway from the workshop was that climate investment plans must be both actionable and financially viable. By developing strategies that attract public and private financing, it is easier to reach a smooth and efficient transition towards climate neutrality.