CIMA Research Foundation

If you are interested in Social Science applied to Urban Climate and Climate Change Risks, submit an abstract to our #EGU25 session no. ITS3.4/AS4.11: "Engaging Citizens in Understanding Urban Climate and Climate Change Risks through Participatory Science". You still have until 15 January to apply! #Citizenscience is a powerful tool for promoting the understanding of urban climate and increase awareness on potential #climatechange hazards. By engaging citizens in scientific research and data collection, we can harness the collective power of communities to gather valuable information and contribute to our knowledge of urban climate dynamics but also to define appropriate adaptation strategies. The session encourages contributions that explore participatory science, crowdsourced data collection, and best practices for involving citizens in Europe’s climate adaptation strategies. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dB-s3Gvz  IRD, CMCC Foundation - Centro Euro Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University  The 𝗮𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 is Wednesday, 15 January 2025, 13:00 CET.   Discover the abstract submission recipe here: https://lnkd.in/dnc9puqg 

The call for abstracts of the EGU General Assembly 2025 is open! #EGU25  If you are interested in advanced tools for modeling #wildfire dynamics, submit an abstract to our session no. NH7.1: “Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Wildfires: Models, Theory, and Reality.” European Geosciences Union (EGU) Wildfires pose a significant and growing threat to both human populations and the environment, due in part to #climatechange that exacerbates this #risk by increasing their frequency, duration, and severity. Recent advances in computational science, particularly in the development of innovative algorithms, are essential to understanding and addressing fire behavior and vulnerability. The session encourages contributions that explore methodologies for recognizing, modelling, and predicting wildfire spatio-temporal patterns, pre- and post-fire assessments, long-term analysis of wildfire trends in relation to climate change and land use changes, fire spread modelling and studies on fire-weather relationships, post-fire vegetation recovery and phenology.  Université de Lausanne, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, Universidad de Murcia, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) 👉 Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dE_FzyVJ The 𝗮𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 is Wednesday, 15 January 2025, 13:00 CET.   Discover the abstract submission recipe here: https://lnkd.in/dnc9puqg 

The use of #EarthObservation (EO) satellite data and #RemoteSensing (RS) techniques represents one of the most advanced tools for enhancing #EarlyWarningSystems (EWS), enabling synoptic, continuous, and operational monitoring of extreme natural events. Analyses based on these technologies provide critical information for risk assessment and management related to natural disasters such as #floods, #wildfires, and #droughts. Satellite-derived maps of environmental variables associated with these phenomena (e.g., flood extent, burned areas, vegetation status) can support the development of increasingly accurate EWS. When integrated with data on exposure and vulnerability, these products can further aid in disaster risk assessment and management within the framework of #DisasterRiskReduction (DRR). As part of the #EW4ALL – Early Warning for All initiative, our researchers Luca Pulvirenti, Luca Cenci, and Francesca Trevisiol conducted a training session at the RCMRD- Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development in Nairobi. The training focused on the role of EO data and RS in EWS and Disaster Risk Management DRM activities. It brought together professionals from Eastern African countries (i.e., Liberia, Namibia, Madagascar, Burundi, South Sudan, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia) with the goal of strengthening their capacity to leverage satellite and geospatial technologies for DRR. During the workshop, our researchers demonstrated how #EO satellite data can support the management of hydrometeorological risks, particularly floods and droughts. Through a hands-on exercise based on a case study (i.e., the 2024 flood in Kenya), participants were introduced to both the theoretical and practical aspects of mapping flooded areas using EO satellite data from optical sensors (i.e., Sentinel-2) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors (i.e., Sentinel-1). These analyses were conducted using open-source tools such as SNAP and QGIS. This activity was further integrated with information on exposure and vulnerability to produce outputs relevant for #DRR / #DRM applications. Consequently, the workshop also aimed to enhance the technical and scientific capabilities of participants and their respective institutions, highlighting the importance of EO data and RS techniques for EWS and in the broader context of DRR and DRM. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) IGAD ICPAC

Only half of the world's countries have adequate multi-hazard #earlywarningsystems in place, leaving one in three people globally without coverage. Yet the critical role of Early Warning in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation is now widely recognized. Improving the situation requires action on the four pillars of early warning systems – risk knowledge, observation and prediction, warning communication, and response preparedness – which have gaps in many countries.  The “Early Warnings for All” #EW4All initiative aims to address these challenges by ensuring that every person on Earth is protected by early warning systems by 2027. Countries such as Liberia, Mozambique and Mauritius have already conducted in-depth analyses to identify critical needs and priorities for optimizing their EWS, taking significant steps toward implementing the EW4All Initiative. The “Risk Knowledge Technical Workshop,” organized by United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Training In Aid and our Foundation and focused on improving the first pillar of early warning systems, is currently taking place in Nairobi, Kenya. Indeed, #riskknowledge is the basis for more accurate and detailed impact-based forecasts, as well as also ensuring better risk communication through not only timely but also specific and accessible warnings. Based on the “Handbook on the Use of Risk Knowledge for Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems,” the workshop therefore primarily aims to improve the understanding, analysis, and use of risk information and promote the #collaboration and inclusion of all stakeholders in order to fill existing gaps and ensure an EWS that enables all individuals to respond effectively to disasters. Learn more about the Handbook: https://lnkd.in/dkjQhuQU Climate Risk & Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Initiative, World Meteorological Organization, International Telecommunication Union, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC 

At the heart of the #PelagosSanctuary, where the deep blue of the Mediterranean meets science, research and action intertwine to ensure a sustainable future for cetaceans and #marineecosystems. A collective commitment spanning 25 years, a living laboratory where knowledge becomes protection. Pelagos Agreement Taking place at the Institut océanographique, Fondation Albert Ier, Prince de Monaco, the workshop “Pelagos Living Lab: 25 Years of Research and Concerted Action” is an opportunity to reflect on the Sanctuary's journey, highlight the key achievements of the Agreement since its signature in 1999, and outline the future pathways for marine protection. Our researchers, alongside other scientific partners, contribute to an open and rigorous dialogue to address the challenges of biodiversity and climate change. At the center of the day is the presentation of six scientific projects funded by the Pelagos Agreement, the result of a unique synergy between institutions, science, and local territories. From #cetacean monitoring to data collection and analysis aimed at mitigating anthropogenic pressures, each project tells a story of relentless work that bridges research and action. Collaboration with international organizations is a key pillar in enhancing the protection of keystone species such as fin whales, sperm whales, and dolphins—guardians of a delicate marine balance. INFO/RAC Our Foundation is proud to be part of this scientific and operational history, because protecting cetaceans means protecting the sea that surrounds us—our shared home. 

After devastating Mayotte, #Cyclone #CHIDO made landfall in northern #Mozambique, near the city of Pemba in the early morning of Sunday 15th December. According to first information from the field, severe damage has been reported especially in the Provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, primarily due to strong winds.  According to data released by the National Emergency Operations Center (#CENOE) on December 17, 2024, the cyclone struck Mozambique through the district of Mecufi, in the province of Cabo Delgado, as an intense tropical cyclone, with winds of approximately 260 km/h, heavy rainfall of about 250 mm in 24 hours, and severe thunderstorms. Approximately 175,000 people were affected, with 34 fatalities and 319 injuries. A total of 23,600 houses were completely destroyed and 11,750 partially destroyed across 15 districts in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa. Together with colleagues from the Instituto Nacional de Gestão e Redução do Risco de Desastres - #INGD, we have been following the evolutions of CHIDO, sharing forecasts and rapid impact assessments through the myDEWETRA platform. "The tools from the #myDewetra platform, made available through the '#Ready2Act' project, were used by CENOE to present the cyclone impact forecast during the Coordination Meeting of the Technical Council for Disaster Management, contributing to the management of the event," reported Alberto Armando, Deputy Director of the National Emergency Operations Center (CENOE) of INGD. Production, analysis and sharing of timely #riskinformation is one of the primary goals of the ongoing Ready2Act initiative, funded by the Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo, Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo - Sede di Maputo and carried out by CIMA and INGD in partnership with WeWorld and with the strategic guidance of the Italian Dipartimento Protezione Civile. ℹ️ https://lnkd.in/dnPzux-Z 📷 Photo: CENOE and WeWorld

At the heart of a climate crisis and a devastating conflict, #Sudan is facing unprecedented challenges. With the #APIS project, implemented by our Foundation and founded by the Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo, #riskmanagement in the country is being transformed. The key? A timely warning system that integrates data, technology, and training to save lives and strengthen the resilience of communities. “We worked, together with sudanese institution, on a unified approach to deliver impact-based forecasts. This journey has been long, but it has yielded significant results. I believe the innovation of this project is that it brought together all institutions working on #DisasterRiskManagement and #flood and #drought forecasting in one room,” says Dalal Babikieri Mohammed Homoudi, meteorologist at the Sudanese Meteorological Authority. Despite everything, the goal has always been clear: to ensure that communities have the tools to face extreme challenges. Thanks to advanced technologies and collaboration between local and international institutions, Sudan has started responding effectively to extreme events like floods and droughts. Through the use of high resolution models available with the #myDEWETRAworld platform, risks have been mapped and impact-based forecasts developed. “We focus on what the weather will do rather than just what the weather will be,” she says. Between November 26 and 28, the last technical #workshop of the project took place in Cairo, focusing on the national drought monitoring scheme: a crucial moment to consolidate progress and look to the future. 🆕 Read the full story by Dalal Homoudi on our website: https://lnkd.in/dpzWzHuC AICS Addis Ababa, ICPAC , UNDRR Arab States, FAO RNE, African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group

Within the operational framework of the Italian Red Cross, the COVALEX project is reaching its conclusion with an event that brings together experts, institutions, and European partners. A moment of synthesis and exchange, highlighting the collective commitment to more effective and resilient #risk governance. Associazione della Croce Rossa Italiana The project's final event took place in Brindisi, integrated into an exercise exploring the synergies between #civilprotection and civil defense. The day began with thematic workshops addressing strategic risks such as forest fires, unexploded ordnance, and maritime pollution, culminating in a plenary session dedicated to the project's outcomes. This event provided a unique opportunity to share the results achieved and discuss the next steps in multi-hazard #riskmanagement. Our experts, alongside the Italian Red Cross, also presented the experiences gained within the #PPRDEast3 initiative in Ukraine, including a multi-hazard map designed to identify areas most at risk from cascading events, such as the displacement of unexploded ordnance following floods. Additionally, the Impact-Based Forecast was showcased — a daily criticality bulletin developed to support humanitarian activities in Ukraine, with forecasts focusing on the variables that most influence vulnerability contexts, such as reception centers, strategic border crossings, refugees, and internally displaced persons. An event that underscores the value of #collaboration and the importance of an integrated vision to tackle the challenges of our time. Universidade da Coruña, NALAS: Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe, Disaster Competence Network Austria 

The workshop "Participatory Development of Scenarios for Maritime Spatial Planning and Biodiversity Conservation" is currently being held in Genova; organized by CNR ISMAR in collaboration with CNR ISGI (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche), within the framework of the #MSP4BIOVERSITY project (Biodiversity mainstreaming in MSP), funded through the PNRR – Mission 4. This initiative is part of activities aimed at establishing the NBFC - National Biodiversity Future Center, coordinated by the National Research Council. Our Foundation is a project partner and participates as an expert in cetacean research and as the national manager of the High Quality Whale Watching Label. #HQWW The MSP4BIOVERSITY project is part of the activities of Spoke 2 (Solutions to Reverse Marine Biodiversity Loss and Manage Marine Resources Sustainably). Its goal is to consolidate and develop the ongoing Maritime Spatial Planning process, ensuring that the resulting plans support the truly sustainable development of the marine economy and, in particular, adequately consider and promote the achievement of #marinebiodiversity conservation and restoration objectives wherever possible. Ministero Istruzione, Universita' e Ricerca, European Union, Italia Domani, IMC International Marine Centre, OGS, CORILA

It’s mid-December – the perfect time to release our first monthly update on the state of Italy’s 2024/25 #snow #water resources! Even though the Italian #mountains have finally welcomed the first snowfall, the season begins with a Snow Water Equivalent (#SWE) #deficit of -63%.    What were the #temperature and #rainfall trends in November? And what are the #forecasts for the coming months?    👇 Find out more in our article "Low temperatures but limited precipitation: the snow season gets off to a slow start " and subscribe to our #newsletter so you don't miss out on upcoming updates!    Copernicus ECMWF, Il Sole 24 Ore, European Space Agency - ESA, EUMETSAT, World Meteorological Organization, European Geosciences Union (EGU), ARPA Valle d'Aosta, SNPA - Sistema Nazionale per la Protezione dell'Ambiente, Il Post, Francesco Avanzi, Simone Gabellani