Panel discussion: Insights to accelerate urban climate action

Ronald Cohen is a Professor of Chemistry and of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of California, Berkeley. His current research involves observing the atmosphere from novel sensor networks or space based remote sensing with an eye to effects of chemicals on climate change and to public health. His project, the Berkeley Environment, Air Quality and CO2 Network (BEACO2N) was the first large scale urban mapping project for CO2 and it was one of three “Climate Data in Action” efforts recognized in the Obama administration’s Climate Data Initiative in 2014. 

Hannele Laine is the incoming Director General of ICOS (Integrated Carbon Observation System), a leading European research infrastructure tracking greenhouse gases, and will take up the post on 1 January 2026. She focuses on harnessing in-situ observations to deepen understanding of the carbon cycle and to support society’s path to climate neutrality. Previously she directed the Climate Research Programme at the Finnish Meteorological Institute and served on the Finnish Climate Change Panel, the government’s science advisory body. Laine holds a PhD in atmospheric physics from the University of Helsinki.

Julia Illman is Head of Business for Vaisala’s atmospheric greenhouse gas measurement solutions, driving commercial development in support of global climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. With a background in consulting, she has partnered with both public and private organizations to define and accelerate impactful climate strategies. Julia is passionate about the power of accurate, measured data to enable more effective climate action. She holds an MSc in Economics and Business Administration from Aalto University (formerly Helsinki School of Economics).

Jing Lin is a Product Manager specializing in multiple sensor technologies at Vaisala. In her current role, Jing leads initiatives around CARBOCAP® sensor technologies, supporting innovative solutions for greenhouse gas monitoring. Jing is passionate about leveraging technology to support climate action and sustainable urban development. Jing holds a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from Aalto University.

Angélica is a civil engineer with a career dedicated to environmental sustainability. Experienced in leading projects and multidisciplinary teams, developing innovative solutions across water network and waste management, today Angelica leads the business development of Origins a SUEZ company dedicated to bridge the gap between global climate commitments and actionable solutions for greenhouse gas monitoring. Origins has codeveloped with the Laboratory of Science, Climate and Environment the monitoring network for Paris and maintains MeteoCarbone, the only real-time platform for CO2 emission monitoring. Angélica also ensures the commercial development of SUEZ Air & Climate, SUEZ’s division dedicated to assess, monitor and treat Air Quality issues for the private and public sector.

Philippe Stolz is a project manager at the Environmental and Health Protection Service of the City of Zurich. He is responsible for the monitoring of GHG emissions and the net-zero cockpit as part of the city's yearly progress reporting on its climate targets. He develops decision-making bases for administration and policy makers and supports other units of the city government in quantifying the GHG emissions of specific activities. His current focus is on the development of approaches for estimating the indirect emissions of the City of Zurich. Philippe Stolz holds a MSc in Environmental Sciences from ETH Zurich and previously worked in the field of life cycle assessment.