The European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with the Urban Nature Program, will host this webinar to showcase how Earth Observation (EO) data can support nature-relevant decision-making in cities, with a particular focus on climate adaptation and urban nature outcomes. The session will introduce ESA’s work in promoting the use of EO data within development and climate finance, and explore how satellite and complementary datasets can help cities address practical planning, policy, and investment questions.

Through a short framing discussion and a set of concrete city case studies, the webinar will illustrate how EO tools are being applied to assess climate risks, understand the benefits of urban green and blue infrastructure, and inform nature-positive urban interventions. The examples presented will draw from both Global North and Global South cities and highlight how partnerships between space agencies, service providers, and cities can translate data into actionable insights for urban decision-making. The session will conclude with an interactive discussion and an overview of upcoming Urban Nature Network activities. 

Background 

The Urban Nature Program, co-led by the World Bank through its Global Platform for Sustainable Cities (GPSC), with support from the GEF, UNEP, and ICLEI, aims to scale up financing to help cities and sub-national governments implement actions for nature-positive development, in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Building on existing initiatives and its Urban Nature Network, the Program focuses on integrated solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss. It seeks to align with the portfolios of multilateral development banks, financial institutions, and the private sector to mainstream nature into investment decisions. 

The Urban Nature Network is a multidisciplinary group of experts and practitioners in green and blue infrastructure and urban biodiversity. It serves as a dynamic knowledge-sharing platform, fostering exchanges and advisory sessions to bridge gaps between city planners, policymakers, academics, architects, engineers, scientists, technology specialists, and financial institutions—helping translate ideas into actionable investments. 

Session Running Order