Inspiring keynote presentation by Farhana Yamin and output statement paper from Cambridge Conference in Conversation: Applying Geospatial Information to Climate Challenges event

Senior leaders from national mapping and geospatial agencies and organisations from across the globe met virtually on Wednesday 15 September 2021, at the Cambridge Conference in Conversation to discuss the role geospatial information can play in tackling the climate crisis.

The event’s intimate breakout sessions allowed an in-depth exploration of the UN’s goals for COP26 with various experiences of climate change shared from around the world. Case studies were presented by the Netherlands, Mexico and Costa Rica to showcase how location data is already making a positive impact in different regions.

To set the context for the event, keynote speaker, environmental lawyer and climate change development policy expert, Farhana Yamin, inspired delegates to take action now.

“We’ve got to act with urgency. This is an absolutely critical moment… The promises that have been made by our governments and corporations must be delivered.”

“You have an absolute duty to humanity and our future generations to demand action… It’s not enough to say, ‘I did my best, I produced this data’. You have to make sure it is acted on.”

The climate crisis is a complex challenge and can only be overcome by working together. Collaboration is key and the Cambridge Conference helps national mapping and geospatial agencies share learnings to enable other countries to reach their sustainability goals. NMGAs are encouraged to use the output statement paper to demonstrate to their governments how climate action requires clear geospatial insight.