HP1: Future-proof systems for a changing world -Adapting to extremes as the “New Normal”

21.11.2023 09:45 – 10:45
Main Auditory

This High-Level Panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Dr. Lars Ribbe, opens this year’s WSCC by addressing key challenges of changing environments in response to climate change and water issues.

The “new normal” of our environment is characterized by systemic shocks and crises, which are much more unpredictable and extreme than ever before. Within this new reality we are facing the challenge of safeguarding the valuable attributes of our social, economic, and ecological systems while recognizing the need for adaptation and transformation. This requires a comprehensive and differentiated strategy that engages all parts of society to find innovative, effective, as well as sustainable, fit-for-purpose solutions.

The panel participants represent our society from the fields of science, politics, business, and development sector and will bring their regional and subject-specific expertise to the panel in order to outline the characteristics of future-proof systems that can meet the challenges of climate change and water security. A central task of the panel will be to further shape the guiding questions of the WSCC 2023 conference to provide important impulses for a controversial, open and at the same time target-oriented discussion.

Lars Ribbe (Moderator)	Institute for Technology and Resources Management in the Tropics and Subtropics (ITT) at the TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences
Ana Ochoa Sánchez	Associate Professor at Universidad del Azuay
Wouter Buytaert	Professor in Hydrology and Water Resources at the Imperial College London
Jens Hönerhoff	Vice President Sustainability DEG
Viviana Morales	Presidente ACSAM Consultores
Bolívar Erazo	Director Ejecutivo Instituto Nacional De Meteorología E Hidrología (INAMHI)