Viola leads the Urban Nature portfolio within the Climate Resilience team at C40 Cities. In this role, she manages the Urban Nature Accelerator. This programme supports cities in scaling up nature-based solutions to enhance climate resilience, promote biodiversity, and improve public health, especially for vulnerable urban communities. She works closely with city officials, technical experts, and partner organisations to develop data-informed, equitable green infrastructure strategies.
Outside of C40, Viola is the lead researcher for The Green Pill, a pilot project investigating the cognitive and emotional benefits of walking in urban green spaces by using insights from neuroscience and environmental psychology. Conducted in Milan, the study offers actionable data on how urban nature positively impacts mood, attention, and stress reduction, making the case for investing in biodiversity-rich, inclusive green space as a public health intervention. This project exemplifies her commitment to translating scientific evidence into practical tools and policies for city leaders.
Viola is a passionate science communicator and public advocate for greener, healthier cities. She is the speaker of the TEDx Talk “Nature and Neurons: How Greenery Improves Mental Well-Being in Cities”, which explores the relationship between nature and brain health, and how cities can integrate these insights into planning and design.
She also plays a leading role in the award-nominated documentary series The City of the Future (Le Città del Futuro), which explores urban climate solutions across four themes: energy, waste, pollution, and mobility. In the series, Viola travels across Europe, meeting frontline experts, policymakers, and activists to understand how cities are preparing for a more sustainable future.