Written by: Laney Wicker

The European Geosciences Union (EGU) conference takes place each spring in Vienna, Austria. While slightly smaller than the American Geophysical Union (AGU) conference, it still draws nearly 20,000 participants for a week of sharing the latest advances in geoscience research. The convention center, located just outside Vienna’s city center along the Danube River, provides a scenic backdrop for scientific discourse and collaboration. Easy access to the Donaupark makes for picturesque lunch and coffee breaks, while the nearby Danube Tower offers 360° views of the convention center and the surrounding countryside.

In May of 2025, I was one of the 20,000 scientists to attend the conference to present research I’ve conducted through the SoCal Heat Hub. My project, Effects of Warm Period Timing and Coastal Low Clouds on Water Deliveries in Coastal Southern California, explores how coastal low clouds—commonly known as the marine layer—shape regional water demand. This work is driven by a broader need to understand the interactions between urban greening efforts and coupled human–climate systems in water-stressed environments. Though a follow-on to some of my previous work, this particular project is in the early stages which can be ideal for presenting at conferences in order to receive constructive feedback early on in the research process. During my session, I connected with researchers tackling similar questions in other parts of the world and learned about innovative adaptation strategies, such as a project in Morocco that addresses water scarcity using low-cloud capture technology. Beyond presenting, I spent the week attending talks that complimented my own work and building relationships with fellow scientists. I also took advantage of hands-on short courses designed to introduce researchers to new fields, such as Geodesy 101, where I gained a foundational understanding of geodesy and its applications.

Vienna itself is a fitting host city for a conference where much of the research discussed is focused on climate change and sustainability. Its robust public transportation system makes it simple to commute by train or bike, promoting reduced reliance on cars and the associated fossil fuels. The city also boasts extensive green spaces that not only create opportunities for recreation but also help mitigate the urban heat island effect. Together, these features make Vienna an inspiring setting for scientists committed to understanding and addressing global environmental change, myself included. Conferences like EGU underscore the importance of international collaboration in advancing solutions to shared environmental challenges. I am excited to bring the ideas and collaborations sparked at EGU back to my own research to further advance climate resilience in San Diego and the Southern California region.