AI and data-driven climate innovation for more smart and resilient cities
18. October 16:00 - 17:15
This session aims to bring together local governments, practitioners, and experts to shed light on how Data-Driven and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies can drive climate action and resilience efforts in cities. We will discover how cities are harnessing innovative projects that integrate new data sources, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic partnerships to build resources for a deeper understanding of the urban environment, climate change impacts, and facilitate faster responses in our ever-changing world. We would like to share firsthand accounts of successful AI implementations from the ICLEI Action Fund projects, including the utilisation of powerful tools like the Google Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE). Engage in thoughtful discussions regarding the future of data-driven approaches and emerging technologies at the city level, with an emphasis on AI that helps cities to be more resilient and predict uncertain climate patterns. We will also discuss the value of citizen-powered data ecosystems, highlighted in projects like Urban ReLeaf, to support climate change adaptation, green infrastructure, and urban design planning.
This session is part of the Challenging knowledge and innovation: accelerating a resilient and just transformation stream.
Speakers
EMEA GTM Lead, Environmental Insights Explorer, Google
Anna Williams, EMEA GTM Lead, Environmental Insights Explorer, Google
Anna lives in London and leads solutions for Google’s Environmental Insights Explorer (https://insights.sustainability.google/) (EIE) in Europe, Middle East and Africa. In this role, she works with cities and partners to accelerate their climate action efforts with the use of EIE data and insights.
Sustainability & Climate Change Officer, Dundee City Council
Viola Marx, Sustainability & Climate Change Officer, Dundee City Council
Dr. Viola Marx is a Climate Change and Sustainability Officer at Dundee City Council, specialising in communication and engagement. Her background in psychology lends a unique perspective to her role. She is a pivotal member of the Dundee City Council team, actively contributing to the Urban Releaf project. This initiative aims to elevate greenspaces and sustainability within the city through citizen science, promoting a liveable, greener, and more resilient urban environment. Dr. Marx's career is a testament to her ability to bridge academia and practical expertise. She is deeply committed to interdisciplinary innovation for the betterment of both humanity and the planet. In her previous position, she led the multi-award-winning Green Health Prescription pathway in Scotland. This initiative connected the healthcare system with nature-based interventions, significantly impacting the local well-being economy and gaining international recognition as a best practice model.
Head of Mobility and Data Science Unit, Environmental Studies Centre/ Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council
Juan Carlos Escudero Achiaga, Head of Mobility and Data Science Unit, Environmental Studies Centre/ Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council
Juan Carlos Escudero-Achiaga is Head of Mobility and Data Science of the Environmental Studies Centre of the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council (CEA), a council body in charge of promoting the sustainable development of the municipality, where he has been responsible for implementing and promoting innovative strategies in sustainable urban planning, environmental information, and mobility. He has coordinated the development of the city’s Sustainable Mobility and Public Space Plan, as well as its Environmental Information Strategy. Other career highlights include several research, development, and innovation (RDI) projects funded by the European Commission and participation in technical cooperation projects with UN Habitat and the UNEP in European, Asian, and Latin American cities. Also with UNEP, Juan coordinated the Vitoria-Gasteiz Global Environmental Outlook. Juan Carlos is also a member of the Expert Group on Urban Mobility of the European Commission. He graduated in Technical Biology.
City of Warsaw
Marcin Mgradzki, City of Warsaw
Moderator
Head of Green and Digital Transformation, ICLEI Europe
Alis-Daniela Torres, Head of Green and Digital Transformation, ICLEI Europe
Alis-Daniela Torres' work is focused on helping cities advance on sustainable energy and climate action planning processes, smart city and data-driven services development and business models creation for urban sustainability projects. Daniela’s work draws on more than 15 years of diverse experience in energy and environmental management, climate change studies, public policy and technology-driven innovation practices. Daniela is an Environmental Engineer and holds Master’s Degrees in Sustainable Energy Development and City Sciences. Daniela has been part of ICLEI Europe since 2018 and now she is the Head of Green and Digital Transformation, working to bring cities´s green and digital transition agendas together.
Officer, Green and Digital Transition, ICLEI Europe
Julen Imaña, Officer, Green and Digital Transition, ICLEI Europe
Julen Imaña is a civil engineer from Spain. He works as an Officer at ICLEI Europe in the field of Green and Digitial Transition. His areas of expertise include district heating, data-driven climate action, and emissions accounting. He has advanced knowledge of the Google EIE and THERMOS online tools, which help cities in their sustainability efforts. Julen is a native Spanish speaker and fluent in English and Basque.