The impact of the heat island effect on sustainability? How can it be tackled? It is hot! Global warming has detrimental effects on nature in general and thus also on us humans. However, rising temperatures pose a direct danger to humans too, and not just in sub-saharan Africa but right here in the temperate zones. In the EU, some 70% percent of the population live in cities or towns/suburbs, almost 40% live in cities.[02] Exaggerating only slightly, cities can be seen as mountain ranges made of concrete. The Heat Island effect The concrete heats up depending on solar radiation and ambient temperature. As we know, the summers (and winters) are getting warmer,[03] and so do our cities. This is known as the heat island effect and it most people will have experienced the fact that the city seems warmer than the surrounding countryside. Many people flock out of the city during summer weekends in search of cooler places, such as a forest. Heat waves are killing us Heat waves put lives in danger. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that "in 2003, 70,000 people in Europe died as a result of the June-August event, in 2010, 56,000 excess deaths occurred during a 44-day heatwave in the Russian Federation."[05] The heat exerts direct and indirect adverse effects on our health. Direct effects are dehydration and heat strokes. Since heat lowers air quality, heat waves also leads to increased respiratory problems. Indirect effects are psychological in nature such as reduced awareness resulting in accidents, but also societal such as an increased pressure on the health services. The heat also facilitates transmission of food- and waterborne diseases. All these effects can lead to disruptions in our infrastructure (power and water supply), and transport facilities. How to fight heat waves? The obvious The WHO advises to keep your home cool, to keep out of the sun (subject to occupational requirements), and to stay hydrated, in particular if you're elderly, very young, or infirm. Seeing as we cannot all move to the country-side it is strongly advisable to build cities in such a way that they do not accumulate that much heat, however, that applies to new developments. Roof garden: the solution? The micro-climate of cities can be significantly improved by installing roof gardens, sometimes referred to as green roofs. A building's roof that is partially or entirely covered with plants and a growing medium that is planted over a waterproofing membrane is referred to as a green roof or living roof. Additionally, it could have root barriers, drainage, and irrigation systems as additional layers. Green roofs have many advantages They reduce the heat island effect: In urban areas or other constructed environments with little natural vegetation, using green roofs might reduce the heat island effect, especially during the day. They have a cooling effect: Green roof bind water and thus exert a cooling effect, and can cool the city's air by up to 5 degrees. They improve air quality They improve bodiversity: They provide a habitat for species, thus improve bio-diversity. They sequester CO2: As terrestrial plant life depends on photo synthesis, they also sequester CO2. It is true that the rate of carbon sequestration by grassland is not very high (approx. 0.2 - 1.5 kg m-2 year-1 [06]) and it won't make up for the CO2 released into the atmosphere by the forest fires that have plagued Europe (and other parts of the world) this summer but every little helps. They improve human health: By limiting heat transfer through the building and by improving the quality of air Energy savings: The primary advantage green roofs provide is the added insulation to the apartments or office spaces underneath and this effect is two-fold: In summer it provides a cooling effect and in winter it reduces the cost of heating. Is it expensive? Although green roofs initially cost more than conventional materials, building owners can help make up the difference by managing energy and storm water costs more cheaply, and perhaps by taking advantage of the longer lifespan of green roofs than that of traditional roofing materials. In conclusion, as with all approaches to mitigating climate change, the installation of green roofs is no silver bullet but it has a role to play in any holistic strategy. Of course, not all roofs are suitable, in particular, flat roofs are more suited than sloped roofs. Considering, however, the available area in many city centres there are significant gains to be had. Many proponents of green roofs think one step and look at ways of greening up facades as well. This is sometimes known as vertical gardening (but that will be for another article). If you would like to know more about environmental, social or economic sustainability, talk to the experts. For a selection of similar articles, subscribe to our blog. [01] DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(15)01156-3 [02] https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/EDN-20200207-1, last accessed 2022.05.24 [03] https://www.science-by-trianon.com/post/ipcc-report-2022-the-need-for-radical-changes, last accessed 2022.08.29 [04] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Urban_heat_island.svg#/media/File:Urban_heat_island.svg, last accessed 2023.01.24 [05] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-heat-and-health, last accessed 2022.05.24 [06] https://www.d.umn.edu/~rmoen/docs/BMWR/Ch_13_Topic_1_Primary_Production_And_Forage_In_Different_Plant_Communities_5_32.pdf, last accessed 2022.08.29

Public speaking services (environmental & social sustainability) J’ai découvert le Dr Audrey- Flore Ngomsik sur le fil d’actualité d’une amie. Son profil m’a tout de suite interpellé et intéressé. Après avoir assisté à plusieurs événements organisés par Audrey, j’ai eu la chance de la recevoir sur mon podcast afin de mieux comprendre son univers. J’étais déjà impressionnée par son CV et sa personnalité et je l’ai été encore plus en découvrant l’étendue de son engagement pour le développement durable, l'environnement et la diversité. En l’écoutant parler, les pièces du puzzle se sont mis en place, j’ai compris pourquoi tant de personnes parlent d’elle avec admiration et respect. Un engagement profond pour l’humain et la planète, beaucoup de clairvoyance et d’intelligence dans les actions qu’elle pose et surtout une générosité immense quand il s’agit de partager ses connaissances, de challenger et d’élever son entourage. Je suis très fière de compter Audrey parmi les personnes qui tissent la toile de mon réseau. Elle fait partie de ses gens qui vous font faire non pas un pas mais un bond dans la vie. Anne Meto, Afropeenne __________________________________________ I discovered Dr Audrey-Flore Ngomsik on a friend's news feed. Her profile immediately appealed to me and interested me. After having attended several events organized by Audrey, I had the chance to receive her on my podcast in order to better understand her universe. I was already impressed by her CV and her personality and I was even more impressed by discovering the extent of her commitment to sustainable development, the environment and diversity. Listening to her speech, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, I understood why so many people speak of her with admiration and respect. A deep commitment to people and the planet, a lot of foresight and intelligence in the actions she takes and above all an immense generosity when it comes to sharing her knowledge, challenging and raising those around her. I am very proud to count Audrey among the people who weave the web of my network. She is one of those people who make you take not a step but a leap in life. Anne Meto, Afropeenne

Let's make equality a reality - A podcast by The Nine "One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say." --Bryant H. McGill Thank you Georgia Brooks, for this conversation. To "𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲", we need to talk about #intersectionality. Why? Because we want a society that is inclusive of everyone and where everyone have 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 to succeed and grow. The most diverse teams (inherent & acquired diversity) perform better, innovate more and are more profitable for any organisation. So why do we still have to make the case for more #equitydiversityinclusion? Because homogeneous team feel easier... but easy is bad for performance. Yes, diversity can increase conflict within teams, but conflict means that you will find outside resources to prove your point. And these additional resources will make your team 3 times more likely to find the right solution for a problem compared to an homogeneous team, where everybody just agrees, because they think alike. When the conflict is corrosive, it is because people bring different values at the table, not different perspectives!!! -𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸, 𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘵 2016 At Trianon Scientific Communication, we show our clients the power of #diversityequityinclusionbelonging to increase their #profit and decrease their CO2 emissions faster. Remember that #sustainability is not just about the #planet. When we all die the planet will recover from it. #people, #planet and #profit should be tackled concomitantly for success! So let's make equality a reality! Listen to the podcast by clicking on the button below:

Strategy sustainability consulting (...) It was refreshing to see these concepts embraced, cast into strategies, and put into action not by people from an HR background but by scientists. Their scientific background certainly helps them when it comes to analysing data and spotting the trends hidden therein. To conclude, I can wholeheartedly recommend Trianon Scientific communication as advisors in the fields of Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility. Nicolas D, Managing partner

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Sustainability executive training services Your workshops on sustainability were exceptional and very informative. I have learned a lot, and I thank you for that. Paschasie G., Financial director

L'invitée du jour est le docteur Audrey-Flore Ngomsik. Mon invitée est docteur en chimie pour la version courte. La version longue étant très longue, cet épisode sera l'occasion de découvrir ses multiples casquettes. Le fil conducteur de ses actions reste néanmoins #sustainability #diversity #profit #greenbusiness. Audrey aborde ces sujets d'un point de vue unique et novateur. J'ai pris un plaisir immense à enregistrer cet épisode, et à compléter le puzzle 'Dr Audrey'. En effet après avoir assisté à plusieurs de ses events (The Nine, Brussels Binder) je n'arrivais toujours pas à cerner le personnage. C'est désormais chose faite grâce à sa générosité lors de notre échange. Un échange riche en enseignement, visionnaire. Bonne écoute !

Fighting the under-representation of women in the EU Bubble As the president of the Brussels Binder, Dr Audrey-Flore Ngomsik was interviewed by the MEP assistant. 🔴"The European Union is trying to become a global leader in gender equality. But shouldn’t its institutions look inward, into their own functioning and at women's representation to ensure the implementation of egalitarian policies?" 🟢The Brussels Binder did, and has implemented change. Its strategy, its volunteers, its initiatives... ⚠️ And gender is not enough! #Equality means to go beyond gender, this is why one of the core values of the Brussels Binder is #intersectionality. ❓𝗪𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗮𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻#𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀? ❓𝗪𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘄𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗳𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲#𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲? ❓𝗪𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗮𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗳𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻? The answer is 🅱🅸🅰🆂🅴🆂, this is why 🅴🅳🆄🅲🅰🆃🅸🅾🅽 is so important! To be able to debate, to see every angle, to be able to draft inclusive policies you need to have a broader diversity of expertise on a problem. This is the only way to vote laws that include everyone. To conclude, #intersectionality is not about individuality. It is about having #systemicchange in life, #workplace, #studies. It is about having #systemichange in a place that privilege only one type of person.

Dreams can be mirrors into one’s soul, expressions of one’s supreme aspirations, safe spaces to confront one’s deep-seated fears, breeding grounds for creative solutions to problems or the sprouts of tomorrow’s reality. As such, dreams are essential at times of tearing down and building anew, like the ones in which we live. When the status quo ante no longer exists and will not return. When our sense of security is threatened, and our democratic values are challenged. When existing principles, instruments, and approaches feel like an increasingly straitjacket and the need for fundamental reform has become imperative for the EU to adapt and thrive. What do women dare to imagine for the future of European democracy at this watershed moment (Zeitenwende)? To commemorate International Women’s Day, I posed this question to female colleagues. My goal was not to have female authors escape the current situation in a fantasy world but rather to encourage them to freely imagine what European democracy should become, irrespective of the present. My call received 36 contributions authored by women from various EU member states but also the Balkan countries, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Georgia, and Turkey. To help orient the reader, these have been grouped under three different headings that capture the substance of their message: one includes all entries on the general development of the EU, another brings together all reflections on the evolution of European democracy, and the third contains all pieces linked to women’s rights and participation in political affairs. Under each heading, the texts are ordered alphabetically. All entries testify to the power of dreams to speak truth and ambition. They also reveal the capacity of women to dream big, long term, inclusively, empathetically, and passionately. They highlight the most important problems facing the EU and come up with concrete ways to solve them. Many participants already pioneer or implement in their work the ideas they put forward. Just like their counterparts, the female authors who took part in this exercise are mothers, daughters, grandmas, wives, single ladies, successful and established leaders and opinion-shapers in their fields or at the start of their careers. They have various educational backgrounds, nationalities, life experiences, and ages. But like all women, they are so much more. The strong, clear, and courageous voices that come through their entries to this compendium offer a stark reminder that women’s contribution to the future of our European democratic societies and to our Union is as unique, resourceful, and boundless as it is indispensable. How do your own dreams compare to theirs? Keep reading to find out… The full publication is available here. The text au Dr Audrey-Flore Ngomsik is available page 8 and below.

Sustainability executive training services I watched Dr. Ngomsik speak at the Department for International Trade’s (DIT) event for Belgian and UK companies from diverse and minority backgrounds and at another event titled "Why startup-fundraising is one of the most tangible (gender and race) diversity gaps". During both events, Dr. Ngomsik's knowledge, expertise, and ability to communicate complex ideas into easily understandable anecdotes and examples were on full display. ​An obviously talented speaker, I recommend Dr. Ngomsik for any and all events on sustainability, leadership, and innovation. Tino C, Investor

Premier épisode de Rising Voices avec Dr. Audrey-Flore Ngomsik A travers cette émission, nous allons mettre en avant les histoires inspirantes de fondateurs et fondatrices qui ont surmonté des obstacles pour créer des entreprises prospères. Rising Voices cherche à offrir une plateforme aux entrepreneurs sous-représentés pour partager leurs histoires et leurs expériences, offrir des conseils, et inspirer d'autres minorités à poursuivre leurs rêves dans l’entrepreneuriat. Dr. Audrey-Flore Ngomsik est Docteur en chimie physique et analytique, PDG et co-fondatrice de Trianon Scientific Communication, elle est experte en Responsabilité Sociale des entreprises, en développement durable et est présidente du Brussels Binder, une ONG bruxelloise, qui milite pour augmenter la diversité dans les débats publiques.

Colliding Epistemes Colliding Epistemes explores the ramifications of putting creative perspectives and scientific competence into close contact, focusing on the friction that results from the clash of disciplines, approaches, and mindsets. This exposition shows, among other things, the results of a collaboration of Dr. Audrey-Flore Ngomsik and the collective of artists 3137 within the European Studiotopia program. The Studiotopia program STUDIOTOPIA is a creative journey through Europe that addresses sustainable development via the convergence of art and science. This program intends to strengthen partnerships between cultural and research organizations, universities, innovation centres, creatives, and European citizens. For 18 months, I have been one of the thirteen scientists in residence of the Studiotopia program. I have collaborated with the collective of artists 3137. Our project Half of the world’s habitable land is used for agriculture. How this land is managed has a direct impact on the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, on how biodiversity is preserved (or not), and on the kind of diet people have access to. By making great strides in productivity, the industrial food system has managed to meet the demands of a growing global population (more or less). However, this approach to food production, and the management of food by-products, is endangering biodiversity and human health. It has become clear that this food system is no longer fit for the 21st century and that a new model is required. The project focuses on how the concept of the Circular Economy could contribute to a more sustainable food system and contribute to a healthier daily nutrition. The project has been developed around the notions of collaboration, sustainability and consumption towards climate action and change, that respond to the following SDG goals: It will show the three main problems of the industrial food system: - Environmental degradation (water, soil, CO2 emissions, etc.) - Generation of waste - Poor outcomes Our goal is to re-imagine our everyday eating habits changing towards a sustainable planet and to become aware of our ecological footprint. We want to look for existing sustainable/circular systems and create new stories that will help us all change the way we consume. Stories that narrate not only what should be learnt, but also speculate on the future of the food industry and even more on the future of our everyday life. During the course of the project, the following questions have arisen: The Outcome of the project Click on the button below to read about the outcome of the project: Putting creative perspective in contact with science Interview of Dr. Audrey-Flore Ngomsik In your residency you have entered the world and research field of an artist. How did this experience change your view in general, and particularly of your own research? A part of my work is to teach people about climate change, debunk misinformation they receive in the news, and engage them. I have participated in the residency to emphasise this. The use of art as a channel for communication, will help me engage other artists with the topic and translate the science in an interactive and (dare I say it?) ‘fun’ way. For me, art and science are very complementary, and the residency taught me that when put together they have a ripple effect to induce change by helping to communicate science to the general public. Art and science collide to make the perfect environment for change. The scientist is the brain, and the artist is the heart. In the world of arts, work is communicating to a wider audience compared to most science. Also the work itself may be produced with the help of citizens, or experts of wide variety. Did your residency showcase this and or made you aware of this? Did it change your view of the role of a scientist as a citizen and community member? I am not sure, that I agree with your first statement. Modern art in particular only speaks to a very select audience. The average “citizen” looks at modern art, shakes his or her head and trundles on. Over the last 1½ or so years, the number of scientists appearing in the media has increased sharply. Not an enviable position for someone generally used to talk to peers, especially considering that they were asked to provide answers to a developing situation, regarding a disease about which little was known (and which is still not fully understood). The number of (self-proclaimed) experts has also risen, and it is fair to say they aren’t any wiser. Scientific work needs the engagement of citizens to be accepted, after all it is (like art) funded by the public. As regards the above question, this project has made me more aware of this dependence of both science and art on public acceptance and the need for efficient communication to achieve this acceptance. During your residency you and artist discussed work in light of one or several SDG’s. Are artists and scientists combined better equipped to bring SDG’s come to fruition than each on their own? Did your residency (so far) influence your answer here, if yes, how? Different strokes for different folks. Therefore, yes, a combination of science and art will lead to better understanding of the matter, provided each disciplines’ fundamental qualities aren’t compromised in the approach. Artists go out in the world for inspiration and research, and later for presentation, in contrast to many scientists that work on dedicated problems, often confined in laboratories, showing results within academia. Did your residency inspire you to bring your research to a wider audience? And do you find ways to do so, now or later? This question pertains to a somewhat narrow perception of science and scientists. Yes, science does take place in the ivory tower, at least to some extent, and members of the general public would find themselves lost in that ivory tower very quickly. This is because the wealth of knowledge amassed over the centuries is such that it requires a specialist language. That is not to say that scientists are self-absorbed beings all the time, though some scientific work lends itself more easily to wider discussions. I’ve been working in fields which could be explained to a wider public quite easily, at least in terms of their application (‘hand-waiving arguments’), not necessarily in terms of their theoretical foundation (mathematical equations). That said, this project has made me realise that more needs to be done, that science needs to be communicated in better ways. Artists and scientists speak very different languages, even though their research can be quite close. Can you give examples on how you encountered and overcame this problem? What other challenges on differences in knowledge and communication have you faced as a researcher in residency with an artist? In our project, we wanted to show that what is considered as (food)waste by someone, could in fact be a raw material for someone else. This is what the circular economy is about. I have been to Greece to apply this concept with orange peels, eggshells, and banana peels to make air freshener, essential oils, calcium pills, water cleaner and other products. I have seen how terms which are so familiar in the science world that they are universally understood, regardless of the country any given scientist may come from. That was not the case here. We are really talking different languages. It was quite humbling for me to have to adapt my language so that we could work efficiently together, and to see how fast they could catch up when necessary. I had to also adapt the experiments that I thought of at the beginning. I would have shocked any scientist today, but probably not 100 years ago. I did like the colliding of these two different worlds and will go on expanding it in the future. Would you recommend a residency to your colleagues? Is such residency more relevant for younger or senior scientists? Projects like this can be an eye-opener, in particular with respect to communication. Whether participation in such projects is helpful or not will therefore depend on the career-path of the scientist in question, e.g. researchers working on highly classified projects (say, in a military lab) would probably find the experience rather useless. On the other extreme of the scale, students studying to become teachers would probably find this extremely useful. Colliding Epistemes The exposition has been presented at Bozar, the Centre for Fine Arts; from May 6th to June 19th, 2023. Rue Ravenstein 23, 1000 Brussels