Dr. Simone Sandholz

Simone Sandholz leads urban research and policy at the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS). She holds a PhD and a postdoctoral degree in Geography, a Master’s degree in natural resources management and a Diploma in planning. Her focus is on systemic transformation towards sustainability, linking social justice to climate action and risk reduction. She particularly looks at vulnerable groups and how their livelihoods can be improved and made safer through policy and action.This includes research on addressing loss and damage associated with climate change impacts in urban areas, and translating findings into recommendations for global policy-making. As co-lead of the IUCN-CEM thematic group on eco-disaster risk reduction she works on nature-based solutions for urban risk and vulnerability reduction.