Climate data contributes to the immediate forecasts we see on the local weather channel, but its long-term collection reveals the linear trajectory of our changing climate. Collecting data is crucial for effective climate planning, telling us how climate change has and will continue to impact different regions, sectors and communities.

Satellites are capturing “invisible to the eye” data on air pollution, showing where the pollution is the worst. UNDP in Moldova and Ukraine partnered with the European Space Agency to identify their hotspots.

The current pandemic – the first of the algorithmic age – has not only shown the vulnerabilities of our social, economic and health systems, it has also revealed how grossly inadequate the mechanisms, institutions and governance systems are that we rely upon to handle our data. Now is the time to rethink how we approach data.

Cities worldwide are increasingly using big data to identify trends before making decisions about services or infrastructure. Data innovation is becoming core to making cities smart and sustainable.