Conference Agenda

Too much of existing innovation and climate action are stuck in the 90’s with a static problem approach. The result is that most “solutions” currently take a static and short-term perspective that only optimise existing systems. The result is a situation where much of what is called “climate solutions” threatens global sustainability in the long run and undermines many innovations. Static approaches rely upon a narrow frame of reference - optimizing existing infrastructure and systems towards reducing emissions (carbon tunnel vision). Although emission reduction is essential, it is an approach that tend to look back. Static approaches obstruct scaling the multiple benefits of cross-sectoral innovation and guide action towards superficial carbon accounting rather than systemic changes needed to deliver flourishing lives for all and global sustainability. In contrast a dynamic solution approach is proposed to guide the next generation if climate action and innovation. Here a human needs are at the centre and a future where 10-11 billion can live flourishing lives on a flourishing planet.

Rapid urbanization presents a complex landscape of both opportunities and challenges for cities worldwide. International policy frameworks, such as the SDGs, and the New Urban Agenda, emphasize the urgent need to create sustainable, resilient urban environments. GEO, through its focus on Urban Resilience, leverages Earth observations to empower cities to address pressing issues like climate change, infrastructure development, and resource management. By bridging the science-policy divide, GEO develops user-centered solutions that harness the power of Earth observations to build a more sustainable and resilient urban future.

Half the world population lives in cities and this is likely to increase to 70% over the next 20 years. Suboptimal urban and transport planning has led to e.g. high levels of air pollution and noise, heat island effects and lack of green space and physical activity and thereby an increase in morbidity and premature mortality. I will discuss the current disease burden in Europe, further data needs and potential urban interventions to reduce the burden using a dataset of nearly 1000 European cities as part of the EU Horizon project funded UBDPolicy project (https://ubdpolicy.eu/)