APPROACH 2 Embed cultural heritage and traditional knowledge into land governance and stewardship Strengthening climate resilience requires more than tech- nological advancements – it demands a deep engage- ment with cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and community-driven adaptation to embed learnings into contemporary land management for long-term steward- ship and resilience. For example, Indigenous ecological wisdom, cooperative water management and tradi - tional land stewardship have long sustained landscapes and resources, offering proven governance models for modern climate action. Effective urban planning and policy should integrate cultural narratives, sustainable practices that align with Indigenous environmental stewardship values and place-based resilience strategies into land use, resource allocation and environmental regulations. Strengthening resilience requires engagement with lived experiences and knowledge systems that have sustained ecosystems for generations. This means moving beyond symbolic recognition to ensure these practices actively shape land governance and climate strategies. To achieve this, governments, cultural institutions, research bodies and international organizations should collaborate with Indigenous and local communities to facilitate knowledge sharing and embed cultural per - spectives into climate policies, urban development and educational frameworks.TRIBUNAL DE LAS AGUAS DE LA VEGA DE VALENCIA The Valencia Water Tribunal is a historic water man- agement system in Valencia, Spain that has governed irrigation for over 1,000 years. Recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Human- ity, the tribunal operates as a democratic, communi- ty-led institution that resolves water disputes orally and in public without written records. Rooted in Islamic-era irrigation traditions, the system ensures equitable water distribution among farmers by managing the region’s intricate network of ditches (acequias). This governance model exemplifies sustainable, place-based resource management, demonstrating how traditional knowledge can inform modern water conservation and climate resil- ience strategies. AUSTRALIA’S INDIGENOUS PROCUREMENT POLICY (IPP) This policy was launched in 2015 and updated in 2025. It aims to support Indigenous participation in urban devel- opment by setting targets for government contracts with Indigenous businesses and requiring agencies to meet minimum standards for Indigenous involvement in major projects. It includes a “mandatory set aside” for certain contracts (ensuring Indigenous businesses have fair opportunities) and Indigenous participation requirements for high-value projects, particularly in construction and infrastructure. These measures seek to integrate Indig- enous perspectives into urban development, cultivating inclusive, culturally responsive spaces while promoting economic growth and sustainability. 66 67APPROACH 3 Harness storytelling to inspire climate action To drive meaningful climate action and address the chal- lenge of rising “green fatigue”,19 it’s crucial to embrace storytelling as a transformative tool that humanizes climate science, cultivates empathy and mobilizes com- munities and sectors towards collective action. Climate advocacy should go beyond statistics, incorporating lived experiences, cultural values and ancestral knowledge. Indigenous storytelling traditions not only document envi- ronmental change over generations but also offer valuable frameworks for resilience and adaptation, making them essential to climate education. Oral traditions, Indigenous cosmologies and community histories can be elevated as foundational sources for climate education. Compelling storytelling not only translates climate challenges into relatable experiences but also strength- ens community bonds and collective responsibility. Tailoring climate action messaging to cultural norms enhances participation, ensuring that climate solutions resonate with local realities. To achieve this, immersive storytelling methods – such as film, theatre and speculative fiction – should engage diverse audiences. Participatory storytelling workshops and digital platforms can amplify commu - nity voices, particularly from frontline and Indigenous communities who hold invaluable ecological knowledge. Storytelling can also be a tool for policy advocacy, with climate narratives informing decision-making and inspiring systemic change. By integrating storytelling into policy-making, education and advocacy, it’s possi- ble to shift climate action from an obligation to a shared purpose. Crafting narratives of hope, resilience and innovation can counter dystopian paralysis and inspire proactive solutions. Literature, film and other cultural productions shape public imagination, helping commu - nities envision sustainable, just and regenerative futures.Beyond broad cultural production, speculative design and design fiction offer structured methodologies for exploring alternative futures. These can be powerful tools allowing designers, policy-makers, communities and other practitioners to experiment with hypotheti- cal scenarios and visualize climate-adaptive societies shaped by both technological advancements and cultural heritage. Future-focussed thinking opens pathways for real change, transforming climate challenges into oppor - tunities for bold, creative action. To maximize impact, climate-positive speculative storytelling can extend beyond isolated creative exer - cises and be actively integrated into climate governance, education and community engagement. Through par - ticipatory workshops, exhibitions and interactive media, speculative narratives can serve as both a reflection of potential risks and a roadmap for regenerative futures. TIPPING POINTS HUB Part of the Global Collaboration Village, the World Eco- nomic Forum’s Tipping Points Hub uses immersive simulations and data-driven insights to illustrate how critical climate thresholds can trigger cascading global impacts. By integrating virtual reality, climate model- ling and interactive scenario planning, the hub enables decision-makers to visualize the risks of climate tipping points – such as rising sea levels and extreme weather – on businesses, supply chains and communities. As a decision-making tool, the hub helps businesses and policy-makers assess vulnerabilities, develop adaptation strategies and advocate for stronger climate policies. By transforming complex climate science into tangible expe- riences, it bridges the gap between research and action, driving informed and proactive responses to climate risks.Pexels

From Principles to Practice DIGITAL