2026 Reports

A Light in South America: The Impact of the International Research Network on Climate Resilience

Luis Silva, Harrysson; Biasoli Alves, Gustavo; Carniatto, Irene

The International Climate Resilience Research Network (RIPERC) is a transdisciplinary initiative founded in 2019 to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable development in the trinational region of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. Coordinated by the State University of Western Paraná (UNIOESTE), RIPERC connects universities, research centers, public institutions, and civil society to generate open-access social, economic, and environmental indicators that support evidence-based public policy and community action aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This case study focuses on pilot activities in Cascavel and Foz do Iguaçu, territories marked by intensive agribusiness and tourism alongside significant socio-environmental challenges, including greenhouse gas emissions, pesticide contamination, and shared watershed vulnerabilities. By promoting cross-border integration, environmental education, and continuous monitoring, RIPERC demonstrates the value of international research networks in addressing transboundary climate risks and fostering locally grounded, scalable resilience strategies.