George Washington University
IN-27: Innovation D

In Fall 2017 GW partnered with University of the District of Columbia and American University to converge with the local government and launch an initiative for higher education around climate adaptation and resilience. Several higher learning instituations in Washington, D.C. pledged to develop climate resilience plans, and the District of Columbia was recently named one of the100 Resilient Cities. This initiative has brought these institutions together to create an effective network. Moreover, the initiative has brought additional universities and national organizations into the effort to build climate resilience at the local level in our Nation's capital. The network formed a unique partnership with Second Nature and The Nature Conservancy to create a framework, process, and resources such as local impacts and a risk matrix for universities and colleges in Washington, D.C. to plan for climate reslience. Positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation: 1. New/additional institutions in Washington, D.C. equipped to begin to address climate resilience 2. Customized tools for higher education institutions in Washington DC on climate adaptation and community resilience planning 3. Network of local institutions working together on climate adaptation and community resilience planning