On October 21, 2025, the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM) in Bielefeld opened its doors to students, citizens, and climate experts for a dynamic afternoon of exchange and collaboration. The event took place within the framework of the Erasmus+ project “CO-DEAL – Strengthening Municipal Resilience through Participation,” co-funded by the European Union.

The dialogue event invited participants to share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas on how communities can better prepare for the impacts of climate change. Over the course of two and a half hours, lively discussions unfolded around local climate risks, citizen participation, and creative strategies to strengthen resilience at the municipal level.

Prof. Anett Wolgast, scientific coordinator of the CO-DEAL project, presented key findings from focus groups conducted across the partner countries. Her insights into how citizens and municipalities perceive and act on climate resilience sparked a meaningful conversation about the future climate outlook in Germany and the shared responsibility of individuals and local governments to take action.

The event also welcomed contributions from the German Weather Service (DWD) and Dr. Isabella Herrmann, who delivered an inspiring talk on anti-dystopias — imaginative narratives that help us envision hopeful and sustainable futures instead of focusing on pessimistic scenarios.

To close the afternoon, participants enjoyed an open discussion over snacks and drinks, exchanging perspectives in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The sense of connection and shared purpose was tangible, reinforcing the idea that collaboration is key to building stronger and more resilient communities.

Through events like this, CO-DEAL continues to foster dialogue, learning, and collective action — empowering citizens and municipalities across Europe to shape a sustainable and resilient future together.