UrbanHealthTwin: A participatory digital twin to investigate the effects of Nature-Based Solutions on climate change-induced urban health challenges

The UrbanHealthTwin project, awarded by WOTRO Science for Global Development under solicitation 24.412, focuses on developing a participatory digital twin to address urban health challenges caused by climate change. Targeting cities such as São Paulo and Rotterdam, the initiative integrates climate data, water dynamics, and community insights to mitigate risks associated with extreme heat, flooding, and mosquito-borne diseases. The tool is designed to enhance disease risk assessment and early warning systems while promoting the implementation of nature-based solutions, such as green spaces, to cool urban areas and control pest populations. By combining real-time local knowledge with advanced digital modeling, the research aims to create more resilient urban environments and guide the development of sustainable public policies. The project seeks to provide a scalable framework that can be adapted by other global cities facing similar climate-induced health threats. This effort represents a collaborative approach to urban planning, ensuring that infrastructure improvements are informed by both scientific data and the lived experiences of city residents.