Program

Friday 19th June 2026 – Hybrid format

The day will feature keynotes and round tables adressing science, tools and communication.

Session A: Advanced meteorology and tools for numerical weather forecasting and warning systems – The role of satellite Earth observations

From the silent vantage point of orbit, we are now able to track the Earth’s pulse with unprecedented clarity. This session dives into the engine room of modern climate resilience: the integration of next-generation numerical forecasting and high-frequency satellite imagery. Join us as we explore how these operational tools are revolutionizing early warning systems and providing the critical lead time needed to protect lives and infrastructure in an increasingly volatile atmosphere.

Hosted by Paul GROSS – Meteorologist Emeritus, Wdiv-Tv, Detroit and President, Gross Weather (US).

09:00 – Welcome address by Simonetta CHELI – Director of ESA Earth Observation Programmes and Head of ESRIN.

09:05 – Keynote “Satellite Earth Observation data for monitoring and responding to extreme weather events” by Philippe BALLY – Earth Observation Science & Application Engineer, ESA.

09:25 – Keynote “40th anniversary of innovation in Earth observation” by Paolo RUTI – Chief Scientist at EUMETSAT.

09:45 – Round table “The role of Satellite Earth observations”.

• Paul GROSS – Meteorologist (moderator)
• Col. Daniele BIRON – Italian Air Force Staff, General Office for Military Aviation and Meteorology,
• Dr. Stefano MARIANI – Coordinator of the Italian C3S NCP initiative, Copernicus Italia,
• Giorgio LICCIARDI – Earth Observation Office, ASI
• Dr. Maryam POURSHAMSI – Earth Observation Scientist in the Earth & Mission Sciences Division, ESA.

10:45 – Coffee break and networking

Session B: Artificial Intelligence and new data processing capabilities 

We are drowning in data but starving for time. As satellite constellations generate petabytes of information, Artificial Intelligence has become the essential filter for climate adaptation. This session examines the cutting-edge of machine learning and automated processing. We will discuss how AI identifies patterns invisible to the human eye, accelerates predictive modeling, and transforms raw space-borne data into the “climate intelligence” required for rapid, evidence-based decision-making.

Hosted by Brigitte PERRIN – Founder Earth Info Hub.

11:00 – Opening session

11:05 – Keynote “A New View of Clouds: Insights from EarthCARE and AI” by Johanna MAYER – Research Fellow in the ESA/ESRIN Science Hub, ESA.

11:25 – Keynote “The Promise of Digital Twins” by Diego CARCEDO – Partners and Ecosystem Manager, DestinE Platform / SERCO Italy and Martin WEARING – Digital Twin Earth Scientist, ESA.

11:45 – Round table “From Pixel to Prediction: how is Artificial Intelligence advancing in Earth Observation Science and weather forecasting ?”

• Brigitte PERRIN – Founder Earth Info Hub (moderator)
• Paolo RUTI – Chief Scientist at EUMETSAT
• Ryan FULTON – Product Manager and meteorologist, Weather Solutions / ROSS VIDEO
• Francesco CORALLO – Thalès Alénia Space Italy AI Officer
• Rochelle SCHNEIDER – Copernicus and Destination Earth Ecosystem Operation Engineer, ESA.

12:45 – Buffet lunch

Session C: Shaping climate narratives in a crisis era  

To reposition climate communication as a strategic pillar of multilateralism and democratic resilience. This session explores how meteorologists can counter disinformation and reshape international influence through science-based narratives. Join us to discuss why communication is no longer just information sharing but a vital tool for modern multilateralism.

Hosted by Bernadette WOODS-PLACKY – Chief Meteorologist.

14:00 – Opening Session by Celeste SAULO – Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and Francisca CORTÉS SOLARI – Founder Philanthropy Cortés Solari.

14:05 – Keynote « The role of meteorologists: Science, Trust and Communication » by Dr Anthony REA – Senior Director of Department of Earth System Data and Predictions of the World Meteorlogical Organization (WMO).

14:25 – Round Table « Trust under Pressure : Science, Disinformation and Climate crisis »

• Bernadette WOODS-PLACKY – Chief Meteorologist (moderator)
• Francisca CORTÉS SOLARI – Founder Philanthropy Cortés Solari
• Davide FARANDA – Research Director in Climate Science at CNRS and IPCC Lead Author, AR7 Chapter 3
• Manuel PULGAR-VIDAL – Global Leader, Climate and Energy, WWF International
• Saranne COMEL – Special Advisor to the President of Université Côte d’Azur and Director of international and European Operations
• Iana MESSETCHKOVA – Programme Officer, UNFCCC

15:25 – Coffee break and networking

15:40 – Round Table « Climate Communication and Global Power Dynamics » 

• Ariel RODRIGUEZ – Meteorologist and weather presenter on Telemundo 51 (moderator)
• Giorgia GHERGO – Science Communication Researcher and Communication Designer, IUSS PAVIA – Copernicus Italia
• Michael BOOTH – EO Outreach & Data Visualisation Content Coordinator, ESA
• Shel WINKLEY – Senior Engagement Specialist and Meteorologist at Climate Central
• Andreu ESCRÌVA – Climate scientist & communicator & contributor El País (Spain) (remote)
• Andrea OBAID CARRIÓN – Science Journalist (remote)
• Mauricio VELÁSQUEZ – Senior Executive | Biodiversity and Climate Technical Advisory Directorate, Corporate Vice-Presidency for Strategic Planning- CAF Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (remote)

16:40 – Presentation : Science for Climate Action: Building a Climate Journalism Task Force by Patricia MORALES ERRAZURIZ – CEO of Philanthropy Cortés Solari and Saranne COMEL – Special Advisor to the President of Université Côte d’Azur and Director of international and European Operations

17:00 – Closing by Christian VANNIER – CEO of IW2C Agency and Founder of the International Weather and Climate Forum.

About the European Space Agency

The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA is an international organisation with 22 Member States. By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, it can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country.