https://www.ems2026.eu/about/programmatic-focus.html
We have invited esteemed experts to look at the many aspects of this challenging topic.
The session is will last approximately one hour and is roughly structured as follows:
▪ Short opening of the conference, followed by an introduction of the four panellist.
▪ A round of about 20 minutes, for which with one or two questions put to each of the panellists.
▪ Opening up of discussion among the panellists.
▪ Opening of the discussion to audience questions: during the former part questions can already be submitted via an online tool, and voted up by others, so the prioritized/most relevant questions according to audience interest will be discussed.
The discussion will be chaired by the EMS President Liz Bentley and will address questions such as
- What combination of nature-based solutions, technology and infrastructure will be needed to secure a sustainable future for river deltas?
- How can stronger hydrometeorological observations, data sharing and forecasting strengthen climate resilience and sustainable development in river deltas?
- How must delta governance and adaptation approaches evolve as climate risks accelerate—including difficult choices between hard protection and managed retreat?
- How can the Early Warnings for All initiative strengthen climate resilience in river deltas?
- How can we ensure delta adaptation protects people, livelihoods, ecosystems and heritage, particularly where social and economic inequalities increase vulnerability?
- How can stronger partnerships between National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, river basin organizations, local authorities and other stakeholders accelerate climate resilience in river deltas?
- Which knowledge gaps, if any, do have the highest priority to be filled to be prepared for climate adaptation in delta's and coastal lowlands?
Audience questions will be managed through 'Slido'.
In this panel discussion points of views of the panellists on the impact of climate change on coastal areas and river deltas and its various mitigation alternatives will be in the focus.
The panel will be chaired by the current President of the EMS, Liz Bentley.
The panellists:
- Ad Jeuken, Deltares, The Netherlands
Ad Jeuken is a Climate Change Adaptation expert at Deltares, holding a PhD in climate modelling (KNMI, University of Eindhoven) and with a professional background in water management (Rijkswaterstaat, Deltares). Now 18 years with Deltares he is working as an international expert on climate adaptation planning and investments. At Deltares he is leading both applied research as well as advisory projects among others for the Dutch Government, European commission, Green Climate Fund, Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and for local to national authorities worldwide. - Maria Carmen Llasat Bojtja, University of Barcelona
María del Carmen Llasat Botija is a full professor of Atmospheric Physics at the University of Barcelona, and director of the Group of Analysis of Adverse Meteorological Situations, GAMA. Her research focuses on improving knowledge, prevention and mitigation of hydrometeorological risks in a context of climate and environmental change, from a holistic perspective and within a framework of interdisciplinary collaboration. She is also actively involved in dissemination and awareness-raising activities regarding natural risks and sustainable development, as well as in the knowledge transfer to policymakers. For all this, in 2022, she received the Cross of Saint George from the Government of Catalonia. She is an expert in floods and flash floods in coastal areas and she is currently the president of the Flood Observatory of Catalonia. She was president of the
Natural Hazards Section of the European Geophysical Society and creator and editor-in-chief of the journal Natural Hazards and Earth System Science. - Kornélia Radics, WMO, Director Regional Office for Europe
Dr. Radics leads WMO activities across Europe, the South Caucasus, and the Middle East, and coordinates partnerships to strengthen weather, climate, and water services within WMO Regional Association VI. Dr. Radics brings over 25 years of experience in operational and applied meteorology, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, strategic policy, management, and multilateral diplomacy. Prior to joining WMO in 2023, she served as President of the Hungarian Meteorological Service and, in that capacity, as the Permanent Representative of Hungary to WMO, EUMETSAT, and ECMWF. She also served as President of WMO Regional Association VI and as Chair of the EUMETNET Aviation Advisory Committee. Under her leadership, the Hungarian Meteorological Service underwent extensive modernization and implemented a free and open meteorological data policy.
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