Page 28 - Reference framework for integrated management of an SSC - A U4SSC deliverable on city platforms

to guiding the cities, the ICT sector and academia in climate change adaptation and mitigation,
improving energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and using environmentally
sustainable methods for e-waste management. Through the United for Smart Sustainable
Cities (U4SSC) initiative, ITU is also committed to achieving Goal 11, Sustainable cities and
communities.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) emerges as a fundamental stakeholder, assuming
a leading role in developing and implementing Integrated Urban Services. Given its vast expertise
and global influence, the WMO is uniquely positioned to spearhead this comprehensive approach
to tackling urban challenges. The organization's plans to educate and train meteorologists in
Integrated Urban Services methods represent a critical step in this direction.

Moreover, the WMO's commitment to extending existing services to a broad range of urban users
shows its dedication to the cause. By facilitating collaborations and consultations among various
experts and practitioners, the WMO plays a crucial role in defining user needs and ensuring that
no single organization unilaterally decides them.

The WMO also recognizes the importance of integration at the modelling level, demonstrating this
approach's efficacy in multi-hazard early warning systems. It is championing scientific advancements
towards comprehensive Earth systems modelling and forecasting capacity at more minor, urban
scales and over sub-seasonal and seasonal timescales.

Furthermore, the WMO encourages long-term decision-making in urban design, planning,
sustainability, and emission reduction, all contributing to urban resilience in the face of climate
change. With its broad perspective and deep understanding of Earth's complex systems, the WMO
is equipped to guide this journey towards resilience, ensuring that Integrated Urban Services
genuinely cater to urban environments' diverse and complex needs .
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In this context, a thorough review of the state-of-the-art data infrastructures, including earth
observations and social media data, becomes essential. These data resources provide invaluable
insights into urban climate challenges, and there is a substantial opportunity to integrate these
assets better to enhance our understanding and response to climate change in cities and urban
areas.

Firstly, mainstreaming data collection could serve as a pathway to expand our knowledge of global
urban areas. Consistent and comprehensive data collection across diverse geographical locations
and socio-economic contexts can help capture a complete picture of urban climate challenges. By
incorporating these data sets into climate science research and urban policy development, we can
enrich our understanding of urban climate issues and devise targeted practical solutions.

Secondly, amplifying Big Data usage is another avenue that holds immense promise. The vast
amounts of data generated through earth observations, social media platforms, and other digital
footprints present a rich resource to be harnessed. We can use Big Data analytics to extract meaningful
insights about urban climate patterns, people's behaviours and responses to environmental

14 Reference framework for integrated management of an SSC | June 2023