In the sixth episode of Earth5R’s Sustainable Futures podcast series, Dr. Simone Sandholz, Senior Scientist at the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), joins Saurabh Gupta to delve into her impactful career in sustainability and urban development. Dr. Sandholz shares her journey from architecture to urban geography, emphasizing the importance of integrating local needs with global climate action.
The conversation explores the innovative role of urban labs in empowering communities, the power of creative storytelling in climate advocacy, and the significance of building trust between diverse stakeholders. Dr. Sandholz also offers invaluable advice for aspiring sustainability professionals, highlighting the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and resilience in the face of challenges.
Chapters:
Simone’s Journey
Simone’s Professional Path
Community and Global Impact
Out-of-the-Box Solutions
Skills, Learning, and Growth
Advice to the Future Generation
Conversation:
Module 1: Simone’s Journey
Saurabh: Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Futures podcast. Today, we have a very special guest, Dr. Simone Sandholz, Senior Scientist at the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security, or UNU-EHS. Dr. Simone has an impressive academic background, holding a PhD in Geography, a Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management, and a Diploma in Architecture and Urban Planning. We are excited to learn more about her incredible work. Simone, thank you so much for joining us today!
Simone: Hello, Saurabh! I’m super happy to be here and I look forward to our conversation. Thank you for having me.
Saurabh: Let’s start with something basic—where are you located right now? You’re part of the United Nations, so I assume you could be in any number of places!
Simone: That’s true! The UN operates in many different countries. However, I am based in Bonn, Germany. Our institute, UNU-EHS, is located on the UN campus in Bonn, which is quite a hub for various international organizations. Our headquarters are in Tokyo, but I mainly work from here in Germany.
Saurabh: And what about your hometown? Where did you grow up?
Simone: I’m actually from a very small village in Germany, about 100 kilometers away from Bonn. It’s a quaint village with only around 800 people, so I had a close connection with nature growing up, which, I believe, has shaped a lot of my values today.
Saurabh: That must have been a beautiful place to grow up! How did living in a village influence your views on sustainability?
Simone: Absolutely, it was! Spending time outdoors was just a part of life, whether it was playing in the forest or exploring nearby fields. It instilled a deep appreciation for the natural environment. Even though I grew up in a small village, there were towns nearby, and I was always aware of the contrast between and rural living. As a child, you naturally develop a sense of which environments feel welcoming and livable, and I think that experience stayed with me throughout my life and work.
Saurabh: That’s fantastic, Simone. I grew up in the Himalayas, and my connection to nature deeply influenced my work at Earth5R as well. The sense of balance between nature and human activity was always something that struck me. Could you tell us a bit more about UNU, the United Nations University, and what it does? I think a lot of people would be curious, as UNU is not as well-known as other UN organizations.
Simone: Yes, UNU is a unique part of the UN family. We function both as a think tank and as a university. UNU was established in the 1970s to bring together research and policy in a way that would support the broader UN system. Our institute, UNU-EHS, specifically focuses on issues related to environment and human security. This includes climate change, disaster risk reduction, and the relationship between the two. We’re also an academic institution and offer a Master’s program in collaboration with the University of Bonn. It’s called the “Geography of Risk and Human Security” and attracts students from all over the world.
Saurabh: That’s amazing! As a leader in sustainability and urban development, could you share some of the early moments or challenges that helped shape your perspective? You initially pursued architecture but eventually shifted to a more people-centered focus on urban sustainability. Could you elaborate on that transition?
Simone: Yes, of course. I began studying architecture because I was fascinated by building design and wanted to make buildings more sustainable. However, as I went deeper into my studies, I realized that what interested me more were the people living in these buildings and cities, and how urban environments could be designed to enhance their lives. That realization prompted me to shift my focus from architecture to urban geography and sustainability. I found that cities themselves could be tools for social change, and I became more passionate about creating urban spaces that are resilient and adaptable to challenges like climate change. It wasn’t just about the buildings anymore—it was about the people and the systems that make a city thrive.
Saurabh: So your shift was really about focusing on people and how cities can improve their lives. It’s a systemic approach rather than just a structural one.
Simone: Exactly. Cities are living, breathing entities that reflect the needs and behaviors of the people who inhabit them. I realized that urban development wasn’t just about physical structures but about the well-being of communities. The way we plan cities has a huge impact on how people live, work, and interact. This realization led me to focus on issues like urban resilience, vulnerability reduction, and integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning.
Saurabh: That’s a powerful shift in perspective. Simone, your work often bridges the gap between research and artistic expression. Can you share how your personal experiences led you to blend these two fields, particularly when addressing the issue of climate change?
Simone: I think my background in architecture gave me an appreciation for the intersection of functionality and beauty. Architecture often blends the practical with the artistic. As my career progressed, I started exploring how creative methods, like photography and filmmaking, could make academic research more accessible to a wider audience. For example, data alone may not inspire action, but a photograph that tells the story of a community affected by climate change can have a much more profound impact. Over time, I’ve found that creative storytelling can be a powerful tool to communicate complex ideas in a way that resonates emotionally with people.
Saurabh: You’ve also collaborated with Oscar-winning filmmakers and researchers. What motivated you to work with creative minds to communicate your message about climate change and urban transformations?
Simone: It’s all about amplifying the message. Working with filmmakers like Dirk Wilutzky and Mathilde Bonnefoy, who won an Oscar for their documentary work, allowed us to capture voices not only from global climate leadership but also from local communities on the front lines of climate change. They were able to document stories of urban transformation and climate action in a way that goes beyond academia and reaches the general public. Through short films and documentaries, we can convey both the challenges and the resilience of people in a way that is much more relatable and inspiring.
Module 2: Simone’s Professional Path
Saurabh: In your work, you’ve focused on connecting local needs with global climate action. How did you develop this approach, and how has it evolved over time, especially as you’ve worked in such diverse urban settings?
Simone: This approach came from the realization that global frameworks like the Paris Agreement or the Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction, while essential, are only as good as their local implementation. Policies are created at the global level, but they need to be translated into local action that addresses the specific needs of communities. My work focuses on bridging that gap by ensuring that local voices are part of the process. Over time, I’ve developed a model that blends top-down global frameworks with bottom-up community action. This approach has evolved as I’ve worked with different cities around the world, from Latin America to Asia, where the contexts may differ, but the principles remain the same—empowerment of local communities is key.
Saurabh: You’ve been involved in global projects, including those in Latin America, where you’ve set up urban labs. Could you tell us more about these transformative urban coalitions and the impact they’ve had on local communities?
Simone: Urban labs are essentially spaces for experimentation and collaboration. They bring together a diverse group of stakeholders—local residents, city planners, government officials, and researchers—to co-create solutions for urban challenges. In Buenos Aires, for example, we set up an urban lab in a marginalized settlement, where local residents had already been working on environmental issues. Our role was to support them with data and resources, but more importantly, to help facilitate conversations between the local government and the community. Over time, these collaborations have led to tangible improvements, such as safer public spaces, cleaner environments, and stronger community ties. One of the most rewarding aspects of these projects is seeing local communities take ownership of the solutions we co-create.
Saurabh: That’s fascinating. Additionally, could you discuss similar work you’ve done beyond Latin America, such as in your PhD research where you compared cities in Latin America and Asia and assessed how younger generations still relate to the old fabric of their cities and the values they attach to them?
Simone: Yes, my PhD research involved a comparative study of cities in Latin America and Asia. I was particularly interested in how people, especially the younger generations, connect to the historical and cultural elements of their cities. I found that, despite rapid modernization, there is still a strong emotional attachment to the older parts of the city. These connections often shape how people perceive their urban environment and influence their willingness to engage in its preservation or transformation. For instance, in some cities, the younger generation may feel a sense of responsibility to protect the historical architecture or the public spaces that hold cultural significance. This research highlighted the importance of integrating these emotional and cultural connections into urban planning, especially when implementing sustainability initiatives.
Saurabh: You’ve also been part of various projects with other UN organizations, such as UNDRR (focusing on nature-based solutions for risk reduction) and UNCCD (urban land restoration). How did you transition into these international roles, and what were some of the significant milestones that led to your involvement in these large-scale efforts?
Simone: My transition into these international roles was gradual but deeply rooted in collaboration. One of the key milestones for me was a project I worked on with UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) where we developed teaching materials on ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction. We worked with over 15 universities around the world to create a curriculum that has now reached over 100,000 students. That project taught me the power of collaboration and education in driving global change. When I joined UNU, I had the opportunity to build a team focused on urban research, and we started working on projects related to urban resilience, nature-based solutions, and climate action. It was through this work that I became more involved in large-scale international efforts, including those led by UNDRR and UNCCD. These collaborations have been critical in pushing forward global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework.
Module 3: Community and Global Impact
Saurabh: Simone, you’ve worked on creating urban labs across various cities. What has been the most rewarding aspect of empowering local communities through these initiatives? Can you share a specific success story that stands out to you?
Simone: One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing how local communities take ownership of the projects we start together. In Buenos Aires, for example, we worked in an informal settlement where the residents had already formed an environmental table to address local issues. Through the urban lab, we were able to support their efforts by providing data, resources, and connections to local policymakers. One particularly heartwarming success story is when the community initiated a mural project to educate children about environmental protection. They not only beautified the neighborhood but also won an international award for their efforts. Knowing that our work contributed, even in a small way, to their success is incredibly fulfilling.
Saurabh: That’s such a powerful example of community-driven change. Your work involves both scientific analysis and community engagement. How do you balance these two elements, and what kind of impact do you believe this dual approach has had on urban environments?
Simone: It’s all about recognizing the value of both scientific knowledge and local expertise. Scientific analysis provides the data and long-term insights needed to address complex challenges like climate change, but local communities bring invaluable lived experience and on-the-ground knowledge. By combining these two elements, we can create solutions that are not only scientifically sound but also culturally and socially relevant. This dual approach has led to more sustainable and resilient urban environments because the solutions are developed in partnership with the people who will be most affected by them.
Saurabh: You’ve set up urban labs across cities in Latin America. What challenges did you face when trying to implement sustainable solutions in these regions, and how did you overcome them?
Simone: One of the main challenges was building trust. In many of the communities we worked with, people were initially skeptical of outsiders, especially researchers. They’d had experiences where researchers would come in, collect data, and leave without offering anything in return. To overcome this, we made it a priority to co-create solutions with the community from the very beginning. We spent time listening to their needs and concerns and made sure that they were involved in every step of the process. This approach not only built trust but also ensured that the solutions we developed were aligned with the community’s priorities.
Module 4: Out-of-the-Box Solutions
Saurabh: You’ve used filmmaking, photography, and urban labs to communicate your message. What led you to adopt these out-of-the-box methods, and how do you believe they’ve changed the way people engage with sustainability issues?
Simone: I realized early on that while scientific reports and data are essential, they don’t always resonate with the general public. People connect with stories and visuals, which is why I started incorporating creative elements like photography and filmmaking into our projects. For instance, we used short films to document the experiences of local communities affected by climate change. These films not only brought global attention to their struggles but also helped raise awareness about the importance of local action in addressing climate change. By using creative storytelling, we’ve been able to engage new audiences and inspire them to take action in ways that traditional methods might not.
Saurabh: With your projects, you aim to identify successful models for urban sustainability across various regions. What challenges have you encountered when trying to replicate these models, and what innovative solutions have helped you adapt them to different local contexts?
Simone: One of the biggest challenges in replicating successful models is that every urban environment is unique. What works in Buenos Aires may not work in Kathmandu or Lagos. We’ve found that the key to overcoming this challenge is adaptability. We start with a model that has proven successful in one region, but then we work closely with local stakeholders to adapt it to their specific needs and cultural context. For example, while urban labs have been successful in Latin America, we had to modify the approach when implementing them in Asia to account for different governance structures and social dynamics. It’s about finding that balance between maintaining the core principles of the model and being flexible enough to adapt it to local conditions.
Saurabh: Art plays a role in your climate initiatives. Can you share a specific example of how artistic methods, like the photo competitions you’ve organized, have helped shift perceptions or drive community action?
Simone: Art is a powerful way to engage people emotionally and inspire action. In one of our projects in Latin America, we organized a photography competition that invited local residents to capture images that reflected how climate change was impacting their community. The competition received an overwhelming response, and the photos sparked conversations about local climate action. These images were later displayed at international conferences, where they helped to shift perceptions and raise awareness about the human side of climate change. It was amazing to see how a simple photo competition could motivate people to get involved and take ownership of their community’s environmental future.
Module 5: Skills, Learning, and Growth
Saurabh: You’ve built partnerships with organizations like the Paris Committee on Capacity Building under the UNFCCC and the Global Innovation Hub. What key skills did you have to develop to effectively work with such diverse stakeholders across academic, governmental, and local levels?
Simone: Building partnerships with such diverse stakeholders requires a range of skills, but I would say the most important ones are communication, flexibility, and collaboration. Each organization or stakeholder comes with their own set of priorities and ways of working, so it’s essential to be able to communicate effectively and adapt to different contexts. You also need to be able to build trust and foster long-term relationships. I’ve found that being open to learning from others and being willing to find common ground has been crucial in building successful partnerships.
Saurabh: Your work integrates sustainability with real-world applications, such as urban planning. What were the most important lessons you learned during this process that helped you grow as a leader in this space?
Simone: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of collaboration. No one can solve these complex issues alone, so working across disciplines and with people from different backgrounds is essential. Another lesson is that change takes time, especially when you’re dealing with large-scale systems like cities. Patience, persistence, and the ability to see the bigger picture are key. You also need to be adaptable because solutions that work in one context might not work in another.
Saurabh: For someone starting in the climate sector, especially those looking to work at the intersection of research, policy, and creative communication, what advice would you give them in terms of skills they should develop?
Simone: My advice would be to start where you are and grow from there. Don’t feel like you need to have all the answers at the beginning. Focus on developing strong communication skills, especially the ability to translate complex ideas into simple, actionable insights. Collaboration is also key—working across different sectors and disciplines will help you see the bigger picture. Lastly, don’t be afraid to take risks. Trust in your abilities and be willing to step outside your comfort zone.
Module 6: Advice to the Future Generation
Saurabh: You’ve mentioned that it’s important not to reinvent the wheel but to learn from others. What are some key pieces of knowledge you think young professionals should focus on to shorten their learning curve and be more impactful?
Simone: I always encourage young professionals to look at what has already been done in their field. There’s so much valuable knowledge out there, and learning from the successes and failures of others can save you a lot of time and effort. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, either. Mentorship can be incredibly helpful, whether it’s from someone in your immediate network or someone you admire in your field. Lastly, stay curious and open-minded—always be willing to learn from different perspectives.
Saurabh: Given your experience working with a variety of stakeholders, from urban planners to filmmakers and researchers, what would you say are the most critical qualities a future climate leader should cultivate?
Simone: Perseverance is key. Climate action is a long-term commitment, and it can be frustrating at times, especially when progress feels slow. You also need to be adaptable because the landscape is always changing, whether it’s new technology, policy changes, or shifting public opinion. Lastly, collaboration is crucial. Climate action requires working with a wide range of stakeholders, and the ability to build strong networks and foster partnerships is essential.
Saurabh: For those inspired by your journey in both research and creative climate action, what resources—whether books, documentaries, or people—would you recommend to help them dive deeper into climate action and urban sustainability?
Simone: There are so many great resources out there! I’d recommend looking at both academic publications and creative works like documentaries or novels that tackle climate change from different perspectives. One resource I’m particularly proud of is the short films we produced as part of the Transformative Urban Coalitions project. They showcase voices from both global leaders and local communities, and they really bring to life the importance of climate action. I also recommend engaging with online platforms that offer courses and webinars on urban sustainability and climate change—there’s a wealth of knowledge out there, and the more you expose yourself to different ideas and perspectives, the more prepared you’ll be to make a difference.
Saurabh: Simone, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today. It’s been a truly inspiring conversation, and I’m sure our audience will take a lot away from it. We look forward to future collaborations with you!
Simone: Thank you, Saurabh. It’s been a pleasure talking to you, and I look forward to staying connected and working together in the future.
