Strategy

Connecting Delta Cities unites those delta cities who strive to make their cities climate proof. They join forces in their quest for:

innovative adaptation strategies
sharing knowledge
sharing best practices

Connecting Delta Cities combines the knowledge, experience and connections of Rotterdam, Tokyo, Jakarta, Hong Kong, New York, New Orleans, London, Ho Chi Minh City and others.

The Connecting Delta Cities goal is to develop a network of delta cities that are active in the field of climate change related spatial development, water management, and adaptation, in order to exchange knowledge on climate adaptation and share best practices that can support cities in developing their adaptation strategies.

The Connecting Delta Cities (CDC) network will benefit delta cities through:

Exchange of adaptation strategies and best practices
Stimulating adaptation practice and enlarging operation capacity
Supporting the inclusion of climate adaptation in water management and spatial development
Contributing to the image of delta cities by enhancing their vision on the future
Raising awareness amongst citizens and administrations

Developing the CDC Network – About us
In Tokyo in October 2008 a C40 meeting on the topic of climate adaptation officially adopted the Connecting Delta Cities (CDC) initiative put forward by the City of Rotterdam. C40 is a group of large cities committed to tackling climate change. Through effective partnerships the C40 helps cities reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a range of energy efficiency and clean energy programs. See for more information: http://www.c40cities.org/

The CDC network is about solidarity and cooperation between delta cities, and the issues addressed in CDC are demand driven and formulated in multi-lateral agreements between the CDC members. Based on these principles and supported by the commitment of C40, the City of Rotterdam initiated the CDC network and has started to build relations with other CDC cities through organizing meetings, initiating joint research across different delta cities, and signing Memorandum of Understandings with cities that indicate their aspirations to join CDC.

Currently, the CDC network consists of eight cities which have been selected based on:

Whether they envisage similar climate related problems, and whether those issues are also related to port-specific activities
Whether the city could, or already does, act as a front-runner and an example for other cities
Their position within C40, and possibilities to share knowledge with other C40 cities
The sense of urgency with regard to climate change adaptation
The economic importance of the city for the region

At present, the following cities are involved: Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, London, New Orleans, New York, Rotterdam, and Tokyo. Cities that have shown interest in CDC are among others Copenhagen, Lagos, Melbourne, Manila, and Buenos Aires.

Figure. The current eight cities participating in the CDC initiative

Over 50% of the world population lives in cities. More than two thirds of the world's largest cities are vulnerable to rising sea levels as a result of climate change. Millions of people are being exposed to the risk of extreme floods and storms.

The goal of Connecting Delta Cities is to develop a network of delta cities that are active in the field of climate change related spatial development, water management, and adaptation, in order to exchange knowledge on climate adaptation and share best practices that can support cities in developing their adaptation strategies.