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The TD Game is a storytelling-based pedagogical tool used in workshops to help participants understand transdisciplinary (TD) practices, identify challenges and opportunities, and develop strategies for new projects. It is adaptable for both beginners and experienced TD professionals and was developed through collaborative inputs from the STeP Fellows Conference, the SRI Congress, and Belmont Forum researchers.

The paper examines the 'co-impacts'—both intended and unintended, positive and negative—of urban climate policies. It argues that current literature and city plans overemphasize positive co-benefits (such as improved air quality and health) while neglecting adverse effects and equity considerations. The authors propose a 'people, planet, and profit' framework to categorize these impacts across various urban strategies, including building retrofits, circular economy initiatives, and transport shifts, to help cities avoid policy backlash and ensure a just transition.

The document argues that the disruption of world trade by COVID-19 necessitates a shift toward digital internationalisation support for green SMEs. It highlights the International Cleantech Network's (ICN) approach, which combines a reciprocal network of 18 clusters, a structured process for maturing business leads into actionable needs statements, and the 'Solved' virtual collaboration platform. Case studies from Helsinki and New York demonstrate how these tools facilitate co-creation and matchmaking when physical travel is restricted. The brief recommends investing in reciprocal partnerships, leveraging virtual tools to lower transaction costs, and using digital platforms to support long-term innovation and R&D collaboration.

The 2021 State of Cities Climate Finance report finds that annual urban climate finance averaged USD 384 billion in 2017/2018, which is significantly lower than the estimated annual need of USD 4.5 to 5.4 trillion. Investment is heavily concentrated in OECD countries and China, leaving developing regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia severely underfunded. The report emphasizes a critical gap in adaptation and resilience finance, which accounts for less than 10% of urban climate finance. To bridge this gap, the report recommends strengthening municipal finance capacities, aligning city and national climate policies, and utilizing innovative financial instruments like blended finance and green procurement.

The 2021 report on the state of urban climate finance reveals a significant gap between current investments and the trillions of dollars needed for urban climate action. While global urban climate funding averaged 384 billion USD per year in 2017/2018, these flows are heavily concentrated in OECD countries and China, leaving rapidly urbanizing areas in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia severely underfunded. The report emphasizes that mitigation efforts, particularly in transport and buildings, dominate current spending, while adaptation and resilience receive less than 10% of funding. To bridge this gap, the document outlines 'enabling conditions' across national, city, and climate-specific levels, urging a systemic approach to align planning, budgeting, and policy to attract both public and private investment.

The report finds that while urban climate finance averaged 384 billion USD annually in 2017/18, this is far below the estimated annual need of 4.5 to 5.4 trillion USD. Funding is heavily concentrated in OECD countries and China, with severe deficits in developing regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, and a critical lack of investment in adaptation and resilience, which accounts for less than 10% of tracked project data. The document argues that cities must act as both 'providers' of green infrastructure and 'guardians' of regulatory standards to attract private and public capital, requiring stronger alignment between municipal and national climate policies.

The survey of 1,269 residents in Helsinki and Tallinn reveals a high valuation of urban nature for pollution reduction, habitat provision, and relaxation, while economic value and community building are seen as less important. Residents in both cities expressed concerns over antisocial behavior and the risk of crime in isolated green areas, as well as the loss of 'wild' nature to infill building. Preferred new green elements include trees, green walls, and meadows. Regarding urban planning, approximately 50% of respondents felt their cities did not actively promote participation opportunities, showing a preference for 3D/VR tools and direct engagement like walks with planners over social interaction with other residents. Area-specific analysis highlights the use of Kalasatama and the Pollinator Highway primarily for exercise, daily errands, and commuting, with walking and cycling as the dominant modes of transport.

The report 'Together for Safety 21 Ways Forward' outlines strategies for urban leaders to combat extremism and polarisation, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. It identifies trends such as the 'gamification of extremism' and the use of conspiracy theories by right-wing and jihadist groups to target minorities and youth. The document provides 21 guiding principles across four themes: preventing extremism post-pandemic, countering online hate, securing public spaces, and empowering youth. Key recommendations include adopting evidence-based 'hot spot mapping', investing in youth-led organisations, and strengthening mental health initiatives to build community resilience.

The handbook outlines a 'Smart and Sustainable Island Development Model' based on experiences from Aegna and Vasikkasaari. It details a three-stage strategic planning process: setting a shared vision, conducting a sustainability assessment across environmental, economic, social, and cultural dimensions, and establishing goals and action plans. The guide emphasizes the use of 'smart solutions'—including IoT sensors for weather and air quality, Bluetooth and infrared visitor tracking, satellite imagery for vegetation decay, and drone-based bird nest counting—to reduce the need for physical maintenance visits and improve data collection. It also advocates for citizen science, such as using the iNaturalist app for biodiversity monitoring and student-led marine litter research, to engage the public and gather extensive datasets. Practical examples include the implementation of a centralized waste management station on Aegna and the development of nature trails and resting areas on Vasikkasaari.

The document outlines a strategic framework for transforming small islands near urban centers into sustainable tourism destinations. It emphasizes a four-dimensional sustainability model (environmental, economic, social, and cultural) and details the use of 'smart solutions'—such as IoT sensors, satellite imagery, and citizen science—to monitor ecosystems and manage visitor flows. The guide is based on experiences from Aegna and Vasikkasaari islands, providing a step-by-step process for visioning, sustainability assessment, and the implementation of infrastructure and waste management systems.

The report assesses green public procurement (GPP) in Tallinn, finding that while 17% of procurements are registered as green, 92% of these rely solely on ISO 14001 certification and do not meet EU GPP definitions. Key barriers include a lack of time, experience, and centralized information. The report recommends establishing a strategic framework, creating a GPP competence center within the procurement sector, and developing product-group-specific model criteria to increase the quality and quantity of sustainable purchases.

The author contends that the military-industrial complex operates under a 'regime of exception' that allows it to evade environmental regulations and carbon accounting, specifically citing exemptions in the Kyoto Protocol. The text highlights the contradiction of using militarization to address climate-induced security threats while the military itself remains a massive emitter of greenhouse gases. It calls for a 'military degrowth' approach, including a moratorium on the arms race, to ensure that security strategies are compatible with the goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius.

The BONUS RETURN decision-support toolbox offers 16 tools to help decision-makers transition to a circular economy by adopting eco-technologies for nutrient and carbon recovery. It covers the entire innovation lifecycle, from identifying criteria through social innovation and multi-criteria analysis to promoting existing technologies via sustainable and circular public procurement. The guide also details methods for supporting pre-commercial innovation, such as innovation competitions, market surveys, independent comparative analyses, and testbed trials. It concludes by framing these tools within a Technological Innovation Systems (TIS) approach to create long-term strategic incentives and co-benefits for the Baltic Sea Region.

The document details the development of SELECT ECOTECH, a serious game system (SGS) designed as a learning platform for stakeholders in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). The game aims to foster systemic awareness and adaptive capacity when selecting eco-technologies to reduce nutrient and carbon emissions while maximizing co-benefits. Co-designed with stakeholders from three case study catchments—Fyrisån (Sweden), Vantaanjoki (Finland), and Slupia (Poland)—the game uses a board game format to simulate 'wicked' situations, including system shocks and policy changes. The report outlines a three-phase participatory design process, the game's rules regarding baseline emissions and resource management, and the specific eco-technologies and developments integrated into the system. The findings suggest that the iterative, playful nature of the SGS allows stakeholders to cross knowledge boundaries and experiment with innovative technology constellations beyond technocratic solutions.

The report examines climate adaptation frameworks in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR), finding that while all nine studied countries have national strategies, only Denmark mandates local-level adaptation plans. Most BSR countries encourage but do not require municipalities to develop specific adaptation strategies, often relying on project-based funding or integrating climate risks into broader spatial and emergency planning. The analysis highlights a strong focus on flood risk management and identifies critical knowledge gaps regarding the comprehensiveness of local risk assessments and the sufficiency of stable funding and guidance for local authorities.

The document is an open letter from 41 NGOs supporting the creation of an ECHA database for substances of very high concern (SVHCs) in products, as mandated by Article 9 of the revised Waste Framework Directive. The NGOs argue that this database is essential for a non-toxic circular economy, human health, and environmental protection, countering a position paper from 12 industry groups that sought to replace the database with alternative research and technology investments. The NGOs assert that industry already has a legal obligation under REACH to possess this information and that transparency is necessary for citizens' right to know, market surveillance, and the safety of waste handlers.

The document examines the systemic failures of public-private partnerships (PPPs), citing the collapse of Carillion in the UK and concerns over the US 'Rebuilding Infrastructure' plan. It argues that PPPs often fail when used primarily to keep debt off public balance sheets, leading to poor project preparation and skewed risk allocation. To improve outcomes, the author suggests moving toward systemic master planning, enhancing public sector negotiation skills, and adopting procurement strategies that prioritize lifecycle value over the lowest bid. The paper emphasizes that for PPPs to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals, they must be designed with transparent, equitable contracts and a focus on sustainable development rather than just financial returns.

The brief finds that while 66% of EU cities have climate plans, there is significant disparity based on city size and national legislation. National mandates in countries like Denmark and the UK significantly increase the likelihood of cities having plans, while many cities in Spain and Italy rely on international networks like the Covenant of Mayors due to a lack of national guidance.

The 'Zagreb is OURS!' platform, established in February 2017, secured four seats in the Zagreb city assembly and significant representation in district and neighbourhood councils by employing a grassroots, participative approach to policy-making and campaigning. The movement sought to challenge the long-term authoritarian rule of Mayor Milan Bandić and the neoliberal policies of the Croatian Left through a strategy of 'one foot in the institutions, the other on the streets.' Its programme focused on sustainability, equality, and participation, specifically proposing reforms for waste management, public transport, and the decentralisation of decision-making power to local councils.

The report assesses four fleet scenarios for the Tallinn Bus Company (TAK) up to 2020: continuing with conventional diesel, or transitioning to bioethanol (ED95), biodiesel (B100), or diesel-electric hybrids. While alternative fuels significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and external costs, they are more expensive to operate than conventional diesel. The study finds that the most cost-effective way to reduce local air pollution (PM and NOx) is simply replacing old buses with new Euro V and VI diesel models, as the emission gap between new diesel and alternative technologies has narrowed. Biodiesel offers the highest CO2 reduction potential, while hybrids provide the best fuel economy. The report recommends a diversified technology approach to mitigate risks associated with fuel prices and supply.