Manuel Urrutia is a researcher and PhD candidate who joined the Landscape Planning and Ecosystem Services working group led by Prof. Dr. Christian Albert in February.
He will focus on exploring how Geodesign and Nature-based Solutions can support the development of climate adaptation and mitigation (A&M) scenarios for the EU project “Climate-Resilient Development Pathways in Metropolitan Regions of Europe” (CARMINE). CARMINE aims to help the metropolitan communities become more climate resilient through the co-creation and co-development of decision-support services and guidelines for enhanced resilience and adaptive capacity. Researchers closely cooperate with local and regional communities to co-develop cross-sectoral frameworks for A&M actions and deliver science-based innovation roadmaps for multi-level climate governance. The results are intended to support local adaptation assessments and plans.
Holding a master’s of science degree in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security from UNU-EHS and the University of Bonn, Manuel has prior research experience in geospatial modeling of flood damage to support countries in implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. While at the United Nations University, Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), his research also focused on the integration of transformative pathways to zero carbon trajectories in cities of Latin America. Additionally, he has international development experience in this field, having worked at GIZ within the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development.
Personally, Manuel loves spicy food and is learning how to play blues guitar.