In the face of accelerating climate change, LIST is strengthening its commitment to gaining a deep understanding of the evolution of environmental systems and their vulnerabilities. By combining advanced sensors, IoT technologies, Earth observation, and AI-based environmental modeling, our teams are developing tools capable of monitoring, analyzing, and anticipating natural dynamics. This integrated approach helps reduce uncertainties related to climate risks and informs prevention, preparedness, and adaptation strategies. Thus, our research directly contributes to supporting more resilient and better-informed decisions for regions and populations.
2025 was marked by major advances, both in terms of environmental innovation and scientific excellence. The FORLUX (Lux City Forest) project perfectly illustrates this dynamic. By reimagining the integration of forests into the heart of the urban fabric, FORLUX offers an innovative approach to creating a true Luxembourg “urban forest”. Through advanced modeling methods and close collaboration with local authorities, the project explores nature-based solutions to improve quality of life, enhance biodiversity in the city, and promote greater resilience to climate change.
In line with this commitment to climate-focused innovation, LIST has also distinguished itself through a scientific contribution of international significance. The study “Can Earth’s reflection help cool the planet?”, published in Nature, enhances the global understanding of feedback mechanisms between the Earth and solar radiation.
Since late 2024, LIST has also been contributing to a strategic partnership aimed at combating global hunger. The AI Partnership for Humanitarian Actions, which brings together the World Food Programme (WFP), CERN, LIST, and the Government of Luxembourg, leverages artificial intelligence and scientific expertise to strengthen global food security. By combining CERN’s meteorological algorithms and models, LIST’s expertise in Earth observation and crop modeling, and the WFP’s operational capabilities, this partnership develops and tests AI solutions designed to improve crisis anticipation, humanitarian response, and resource allocation.
LIST’s scientific excellence has also been highlighted through individual recognition of its researchers. In 2025, Arnaud Watlet received a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) postdoctoral fellowship for his ForestPulse project, dedicated to studying the interactions between trees and water. This project aims to better understand the water dynamics of forests and their resilience to increasing environmental stresses. This distinction highlights the quality of the research conducted at LIST and paves the way for new advances in the sustainable management of forest ecosystems.
In addition, LIST has launched a monthly hydrological bulletin, a new tool that centralizes and analyzes the state of Luxembourg’s water resources. Thanks to reliable and regular data, it enables more precise anticipation of drought-related risks and improves sustainable water management in the context of climate change.
Finally, the year was marked by an exemplary collaboration between LIST and the National Museum of Natural History, enabling the reconstruction of Luxembourg’s hydro-climatological history. Drawing on historical archives, paleoenvironmental data, and modern analytical tools, this initiative offers a unique perspective on the region’s climate evolution. This new understanding of the past provides a valuable foundation for anticipating future challenges and developing robust adaptation strategies.
