Transition strategies for cities combine scenarios of technological conversion with social and ecological visions for sustainable urban development. Cities become "real-world laboratories" for research both examining and supporting sustainable development. Different action strategies can be combined and studied in an integrated fashion: climate and resource protection, climate adaptation, the conversion of energy systems, new models of production and consumption.

Elements of such integrated urban development were developed for the Chinese city of Wuxi and the German region around Düsseldorf. The Wuppertal Institute worked closely with policy makers and administrators to establish a dialogue between the two regions. Both cities were prepared to become leaders on the way towards a sustainable future, engaging in mutual learning.

The geographic setting of our institute gives us a rewarding research environment. Working closely with the city of Wuppertal and all its stakeholders has always been part of our research.

Northrine-Westfalia and the towns and cities of the old industrial Ruhr area are facing the challenge of locally implementing the Energiewende und contributing to regional and national climate commitments. At the same time they are in the middle of a deep transformation; the economy, demography and social makeup of the region are changing noticeably. Together with our partners the Wuppertal Institute is applying its integrative approach to these challenges.