My motivation
I have a passion for adaptation to climate change. It is a new area and we all are learners here. I see the need to adapt as a great opportunity to create even better cities. I also experience that there is plenty of knowledge available across Europe; only it is scattered and not easy to access. I want to support municipalities both big and small to draw on that affluence and create not just climate-proof but also exciting places to live and do business in.
Drawing on the affluent resources
- 1984-1989 studies landscape architecture at the Technical University Dresden, Germany
- 1989-1990 Institute for Environment in Berlin, Germany
- 1991-2007 Federal Environment Agency in Berlin and Dessau, Germany
- 2007-2017 European Environment Agency in Copenhagen, Denmark
- Since 2017 Freelance expert
- Languages: German (mother tongue), English and Danish (fluent), Spanish and French (good)
About me
I am a problem solver. While I approach challenges analytical, systematic and target oriented, I value also the human dimension. Supporting and collaborating with people that enjoy their work, like to explore new ways and that respect and support each other, despite having different views, is very important to me. Both complex, challenging tasks and open-minded, highly engaged and respectful partners motivate me to do my best in creating climate-proof and flourishing cities.
More than 25 years ago, I have studied Landscape Architecture, and green is since then at the heart of my work. Starting my professional life, I got fascinated by environmental protection and wanted to use my knowledge to solve the wicked problems. I aimed for more than creating nice places, but places that serve the environment and offer a better quality of life. My professional journey took me through the Environment Agencies of East-Germany, Germany and Europe and through different subjects, such as climate change adaptation and urban development in particular as well as transport planning, ecological planning and assessments, environmental management and biodiversity. I assessed the situation, distributed knowledge and supported stakeholder. I was responsible for several key publications in this area at European level that all are still relevant and can inspire, e.g.:
- Urban adaptation to climate change in Europe 2016 - Transforming cities in a changing climate (2016)
- Urban adaptation to climate change in Europe - Challenges and opportunities for cities together with supportive national and European policies (2012)
- Ensuring quality of life in Europe's cities and towns (2009)
My work both at national and international level brought me together with various stakeholders ranging from local, regional and national institutions, European and international city networks, EU, WHO, UNECE, UN and the ADB. This international collaboration and team-work increased my awareness for the interests and habits of different individuals and cultures and broadened my practical capacity to collaborate with various types of stakeholders.