Turning climate and other challenges into opportunities
Working with cities and European initiatives ...
... at the intersection of people, policy and practice.
I am Birgit Georgi-Haake, an independent advisor, facilitator and expert supporting cities, European programmes and networks in climate adaptation and sustainable, inclusive urban development. With decades of experience working with initiatives such as the European Urban Initiative, Covenant of Mayors, URBACT and Urban Innovative Actions, I help organisations turn complexity into clarity and action.
I work with clients who want to approach climate adaptation and urban change as an opportunity rather than a burden. Together, we build on what is already there — existing knowledge, experience and local strengths — to develop solutions that make cities and organisations more resilient, attractive and fit for the future.
My way of working is grounded in careful listening, openness and collaboration. I create spaces where different perspectives can be heard, priorities clarified and shared understanding developed. This helps teams and stakeholders move forward with confidence, even in contexts marked by uncertainty and change.
Having worked at European, national and local levels, in both large- and small-scale initiatives, I bridge policy and practice across sectors and governance levels. This allows me to support strategic and policy development while staying closely connected to practical implementation.
My offers on climate adaptation, sustainable and inclusive urban development:
Strategic Advice and Policy Support
- Advisory support on climate adaptation and sustainable urban development
- Policy analysis, briefings and assessments
- Support to EU-funded programmes, initiatives and projects
- Participating in research projects
Related projects:
- Ex-Ante Assessment Water Sensitive Cities - EU Urban Agenda (EUI)
- Natürlich Klimaanpassung - Resiliente naturbasierte Lösungen für Städte und Gemeinden (Umweltbundesamt)
- Climate Change and Urban Resilience (EUKN Policy Lab)
- GrowGreen (HORIZON 2020)
Concepts and Planning
- Development of local and regional concepts and measures on climate adaptation, sustainable and just urban transformation
- Hands on practical advice to local authorities and coaching
- Design supportive governance frameworks and participation startegies
Related projects:
- IGNITION - Innovative financing and delivery of natural climate solutions in Greater Manchester (UIA)
- GreenQuays - Urban river regeneration through nature-inclusive quays in Breda (UIA)
- Local and regional policy support for climate adapatation - Asturia and Apulia (Covenant of Mayors)
- Climate adaptation concept for the city of Anklam
Conference Design, Speaking and Moderation
- Key note and expert contributions
- Design of workshops and conferences
- Conference and panel moderation
Related projects:
- CitiesForum Krakow 2025 (EUI)
- European Urban Resilience Forum (ICLEI, EEA)
- Final conference of BooGI-BOP: Biodiversity Premisses (EU LIFE)
Capacity Building, Learning and Facilitation
- Design and guide trainings, workshops , webinars
- Coaching for city administrations and networks
- Design and facilitate peer-learning formats