Urban Nature: Connecting Cities, Sustainability

Dr. Bernadett Kiss is a Lecturer at the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE) at Lund University, Sweden, and serves as a Visiting Researcher at the School of International Studies at Utsunomiya University, Japan. With a diverse background in business, project management, and communication, she specializes in sustainable urban governance. Her work encompasses various related issues, including policy evaluation, energy efficiency in buildings, urban nature, innovations, learning, and stakeholder management.

Dr. Yuliya Voytenko Palgan is an Associate Professor in Sustainable Development at the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE) at Lund University, Sweden. With over 12 years of experience working in multicultural and interdisciplinary teams, she specializes in sustainability, urban governance, innovation, and sustainable consumption. Her research focuses on developing strategies for sustainability solutions in emerging economies, including the bioeconomy, sharing economy, and circular economy, as well as sustainable urban innovation and experimentation through initiatives such as nature-based solutions and urban living labs.

Kes McCormick is a Professor of Business Development and Sustainable Innovation at the Department of People and Society at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and holds a position at the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE) at Lund University. With a robust background in political science and environmental science, he brings over 20 years of academic and management experience to his work. His research and educational efforts focus on sustainability, business innovation, and governance, emphasizing capacity building and lifelong learning. McCormick has engaged more than 125,000 participants through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and has contributed significantly to various projects collaborating with local governments, NGOs, and industry stakeholders.

Professor Harriet Bulkeley is a distinguished academic with joint appointments at Durham University and the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University. Her research centers on environmental governance, focusing on the politics of climate change, energy, and sustainable cities. With a prolific publication record that includes eight books and over 60 papers, her influential works such as An Urban Politics of Climate Change and Accomplishing Climate Governance have shaped contemporary discourse in her field. Currently, she coordinates the H2020 NATURVATION project, which explores urban innovation through nature-based solutions for sustainable development, and serves as a co-investigator on the H2020 REINVENT project that addresses the political and financial challenges of decarbonization. Professor Bulkeley has collaborated with various organizations, including the UK Government and the World Bank, to translate research into actionable policies. Her accolades include the King Carl XVI Gustaf Professorship in Environmental Science and recognition as a Fellow of the British Academy, highlighting her significant impact on climate policy and governance.

Professor Christine Wamsler is a prominent figure in the field of sustainable urban development, currently serving as a professor in Sustainability Science at Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS). Her research primarily focuses on integral climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and the mainstreaming of climate policy, exploring how urban areas can become more resilient in the face of environmental challenges. With a rich academic background that includes leadership roles such as Co-director of the Lund University Centre for Societal Resilience and Research Fellow at the Centre of Natural Disaster Science, she has authored over 100 academic publications and led numerous international projects. Professor Wamsler has collaborated with various organizations, including the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, to influence policy and practice on climate resilience. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates insights from urban governance, citizen participation, and contemplative practices, positioning her as a key contributor to global discussions on sustainability and transformation in urban settings.