Four German-American pairs of sister cities met in Chattanooga, TN (USA) from 29 November to 2 December 2011 in order to compare local efforts on climate protection and explore best practices in renewable energies. The Dialogue that also included German and American journalists was organized by the Ecologic Institute in cooperation with the German Embassy in Washington DC.

The aim of the Transatlantic Sister City and Media Dialogue was to spur a lasting German-American dialogue at the grassroots level which compares and develops local answers to global questions and helps building networks and ties between the participating sister cities. Participants included included representatives, journalists and stakeholders from Los Angeles, CA, and Berlin; Chicago, IL and Hamburg; Columbus, OH and Dresden; and Chattanooga, TN and Hamm.

During the three-day dialogue, participants engaged in active discussions related to energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, green jobs, and climate partnerships and networks, while also identifying lessons from local initiatives implemented in their cities.