Unkel, Germany, September 27 2018
The 2018 Summer Academy took place at the Rheinhotel Schulz, Unkel (Bonn, Germany) 24–28 September 2018. The topic focused on Global risk and adaptation futures – what role is played by urbanisation?, a question which was explored by 25 scientists, UN delegates, government advisors and NGO representatives. Our Foresight workstream joined the Academy, taking part in sessions on 27 September and the evening panel on The role of future-oriented urban risk assessment for adaptation planning and action. Representatives from the UNFCCC, Munich Re Foundation, Liberia and PLACARD / Environment Agency Austria discussed the use of and need for future-oriented urban risk assessment for adaptation planning and action.
The discussions highlighted that risk assessments are essential and that megatrends, including urbanisation and demographic change, must be taken into account when planning for adaptation. Foresight methods are particularly useful in this context. During the conference, consideration of the most vulnerable groups in the urban environment was identified as a vital element in future urban risk assessments. In addition, the combination of quantitative modelling and qualitative elements in future assessments was noted as being a critical element in the implementation of practice-relevant adaptation actions.
For further information please see:
- Munich Re: Global risk and adaptation futures – What role is played by urbanisation?
- United Nations University: Summer Academy brings together experts on urbanization and climate change