Urban-PREDICT: A WWRP Project for Advancing Urban Climate Resilience
Cities worldwide are facing rising threats from extreme heat, flooding, storms, and worsening air quality. In response, the Urban-PREDICT Project — Predictions, Risk Assessments, Early Warnings, Data Integration, Inclusive Governance, Community Awareness, and Transformative Actions has been launched under the World Meteorological Organization’s World Weather Research Program (WWRP). The Urban-PREDICT Project brings together scientists from six continents to develop next-generation urban hazard prediction and early-warning systems.
The newly established Urban-PREDICT International Coordination Office (ICO), housed at the HKUST Atmospheric Research Center, will serve as the global hub for WWRP-backed Urban-PREDICT Project. As the host institution, HKUST will connect scientific innovation with real-world city needs through global research networks, demonstration projects, and cross-sector partnerships.
Prof. Alexis LAU, Head of ENVR and Director of the ICO, emphasized Hong Kong’s urgent need for resilient urban systems, noting the challenges of torrential rain, heat islands, and deteriorating air quality. The ICO, he said, strengthens HKUST’s leadership within WWRP’s global research community and aims to turn cutting-edge science into practical solutions that safeguard lives and infrastructure.
Co-lead Prof. Fei CHEN highlighted Urban-PREDICT’s four pillars: high-resolution modelling, AI-driven prediction, effective early-warning communication, and community preparedness. With HKUST’s strengths in climate science and AI, the project will deliver accurate, accessible, and actionable early warnings for vulnerable populations.
Dr. Estelle de Coning, Chief of WMO-WWRP, praised the initiative as a major step toward linking global science with societal needs and strengthening worldwide collaboration in urban climate prediction.
As part of HKUST’s 35th-anniversary celebrations, the Urban Climate Prediction and Resilience Roundtable convened experts across academia, government, and industry to discuss science-based early warnings, community protection, and the roles of business and insurance in systemic resilience.
With the ICO officially launched, Urban-PREDICT and its WWRP partners aim to build more resilient cities through integrated forecasting, AI innovation, and community-focused climate action.
Please visit the project website to learn more: Urban-PREDICT – Predictions, Risk assessments, Early warning
- Region:
- Region II: Asia