Last week, a Transatlantic Innovation and Climate Partnership between the City of Dortmund, Germany and the City of Pittsburgh, USA was signed. The agreement will expand collaboration between the two cities on the economy, climate technology, and international cooperation.
As former hubs for the coal and steel industries, both Dortmund and Pittsburgh have undergone structural changes throughout their history and developed into internationally recognized centers for business, science and innovation. They have faced similar challenges and now aim to work together towards each of their just transition goals.
This agreement comes on the heels of two Transatlantic Climate Bridge (TCB) events which focused on linking the two sister cities.
Last year, the TCB hosted a discussion between the two cities as well as Vancouver, Canada on climate-friendly urban food systems. The speakers discussed what cities can do to improve the sustainability of food production and agricultural practices, and possibilities to regionalize food supply chains.
At the TCB Conference this year, the three cities were invited back to speak on decarbonizing their transport sectors and how municipalities can transition their transportation sectors to be more accessible and less car dependent.
The Memorandum of Understanding between Dortmund and Pittsburgh was signed in a virtual ceremony with both Mayors present.
The agreement takes effect immediately and will last until December 31, 2025, pending renewal.
Read the Press Release from the City of Dortmund (in German).
Read the Press Release from the City of Pittsburgh (in English).