How Earth Intelligence is Transforming Disaster Risk Reduction
At the Group on Earth Observations, we are committed to enhancing safety and resilience against natural disasters such as fires, floods, and earthquakes. We achieve this by coordinating Earth observations, which involves gathering data from satellites, radars, and other sources to gain a deeper understanding of our planet’s ever-changing dynamics. This data plays an important role in predicting potential disasters, minimizing their damage, and aiding in recovery efforts post-disaster.
During disaster events, manual data collection becomes a challenge due to restricted movement. However, the automatic data collected from satellites and radars continues to provide crucial insights, proving to be invaluable especially during unfavourable conditions like severe weather, pandemics, or security threats.
Collaborative Efforts: GEO, WMO, and UNDRR in the Early Warnings for All Initiative #EW4All
We are excited and committed to supporting the newly launched Early Warnings for All Initiative, led by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reductions (UNDRR). The goal of this innovative initiative is to ensure that by 2027, every individual on Earth has access to early warning systems. This is a proactive measure to safeguard lives and properties, especially in the face of increasingly severe weather events driven by climate change.
GEO is an active supporter of the EW4All Initiative and its implementation, focusing on two main areas: understanding risks and improving forecasts. We’re closely collaborating with organizations like WMO, UNDRR, ITU, Red Cross societies, and the Green Climate Fund to lead advancements in disaster risk knowledge.
As part of this effort, we are working with the Technology Executive Committee of the UN’s Climate Change Convention to create a policy guide. This guide will spotlight technologies and innovations that enhance our abilities to understand and prepare for disasters. We are aiming to equip communities and decision-makers with the insights and tools they need to better predict and respond to natural disasters.
Contacts
For more information or to get involved in our disaster risk reduction efforts, please connect with GEO’s Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinator, Rui Kotani, at rkotani@geosec.org. Through collective effort and innovative technology, we strive to create a safer and more resilient future for all, as we navigate the challenges posed by climate change.
