Profile

Anika Ruess

Head of Legal Department, gaia-liNc e.V.

Rome, Italy

aruess@gaialinc.org

Areas of knowledge

  • Climate Science and Modeling
  • Earth Observation
  • Geospatial Intelligence/GeoAI

Education

M.Sc. with focus on Environmental Data Analysis from TU Munich, B.Sc. in Political Science with focus on Climate & Environmental Politics (TU Munich), B.Sc. in Law and Economics (University of Augsburg).

Areas of expertise

My areas of expertise include geospatial intelligence, climate modeling, and Earth observation, with a focus on applying these skills to sustainable development and climate action. I work at the intersection of science, technology, and international partnerships, supporting data-driven solutions for global challenges. I am particularly interested in interdisciplinary sustainability projects that address environmental risks, geopolitical dynamics, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping resilient futures.

Ani-Ruess

Background

My work experience has evolved toward the fields of geospatial and artificial intelligence, with a focus on climate modeling, Earth Observation (EO), and international development. I have worked on projects involving space-borne EO techniques, strategic partnerships and climate modeling, supporting climate resilience and adaptation. This includes collaboration with global institutions and the integration of advanced data tools to inform policy, finance, and development strategies.

What drew you to gaia-liNc’s mission?

By the age of 18, I had undertaken a five-month solo journey across Australia, followed by a six-month stay in Barcelona, and an extensive six-month trip through Central and South America, where I also volunteered in underserved communities in Lima, Peru. Committed to minimizing my environmental impact, I traveled primarily by bus to reduce my CO₂ footprint. These experiences not only fostered deep personal growth but also gave me a firsthand understanding of the stark disparities in consumption patterns and resource access across developing, emerging, and industrialized countries. Motivated by these insights, I founded gaia-liNc e.V. to support locally grounded, data-informed solutions for sustainable development in close collaboration with our partners across the Latin America region.

Favorite Quote

“Since we tacitly assume that we are detached from the ecosystem of our planet, we are constantly surprised by phenomena resulting from our close association with it. And as the influence of our civilization grows exponentially, the surprises become more and more unpleasant.” –Al Gore, Six Drivers of Global Change, 2013.?