"FLASH NEWS FROM DRMKC" Newsletter Issues

Foreword DRMKC'FLASH NEWS JUNE 2024 (25/06/2024)

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Coming Soon: multi-Language access to our DRMKC content! (25/06/2024)

Exciting news! We are testing a new feature that allows you to read our DRMKC Flash News and website content in your preferred language! Let us know what your choice is as we’ll start by translating the 3 most popular choices.

EU Civil Protection Forum 2024 (25/06/2024)

The 8^th European Civil Protection Forum featured sessions and workshops led by distinguished speakers. Commissioner Janez Lenarčič opened the discussions and topics like regional cooperation, AI in disaster prevention, and mental health support for first responders or wildfire risk reduction were discussed.

New JRC report shows key megatrends and risks for Europe’s resilience and security (25/06/2024)

The Joint Research Centre published a new report on cross-border and emerging risks affecting Europe. The report emphasizes the need to harmonise science and cooperation for disaster resilience, highlighting 14 megatrends and 8 emerging risks, such as food security, biodiversity loss or hybrid threats, among others. Effective risk management and foresight practices are crucial for Europe’s resilience and security.

New JRC report reveals the top 40 future risks the EU faces: environmental issues and democracy threats highlighted (25/06/2024)

A report by the Joint Research Centre presents a foresight approach to anticipate and prepare for future risks and opportunities. It identifies 40 significant risks relevant to the European Union, categorised into ten clusters. Some of the key risks identified have to do with environmental degradation, key supply chains that get disrupted or the erosion of democracy. By providing insights into potential future developments and their implications the report aims to support policymakers.

Uncovering the impact of drought in the EU: a conversation with European Commission experts (25/06/2024)

To raise awareness about the International Day for Drought and Desertification, drought experts from the JRC and DG ENV teamed up to reply to drought-related questions. They highlighted severe droughts in southern Europe and varying precipitation levels across the continent. The importance of government policies, EU/international cooperation, and sustainable water management practices to tackle drought risks were addressed, as well as the potential of AI to help improve drought research.

Key highlights from the 3rd Workshop “Social Media for Disaster Risk Management: Researchers meet Practitioners” (28/06/2024)

Results from the third Workshop on Social Media for Disaster Risk Management are now out. Academics, practitioners, tech experts, and emergency responders joined forces and explored how to enhance disaster management using social media and AI.

Announcement: MSc in Emergency Management and Resilience at Coventry University (25/06/2024)

You can now enrol in the MSc Emergency Management and Resilience program at Coventry University. This course prepares students for careers in emergency management and addresses topics such as emergency planning, community resilience or crisis leadership through a mix of practical sessions with theoretical classes. The course offers flexible study options and can be completed full-time or part-time. For more details and to apply, visit the Coventry University course page.

Adaptation to climate change: EU Mission activity report (28/06/2024)

The EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change supports European regions, cities and local authorities in their efforts to build resilience against the impacts of climate change. A new report shows the progress made over the past year – including adaptation stories from Salamanca, Toulose or Sardinia - to prepare for the impacts of climate change. Engagement, risk assessment and financing toolkits are also shared.

A new remote sensing method tracks 50 years of urban expansion with even greater accuracy (25/06/2024)

By combining recent high-resolution images from the Sentinel-2 satellite with older images from the Landsat program JRC researchers analysed changes in built-up areas over the last years. They’ve detected changes in cities and towns with greater accuracy than before, providing a clearer picture of how urban areas have evolved to support urban planning and new policies.

Improving weather forecasts and flood models with advanced terrain mapping (25/06/2024)

A new paper introduces the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) Global Flood Awareness System (GloFAS) modelling chain and its reanalysis dataset as an example of a global hydrological reanalysis dataset. It then reviews examples of downstream applications for global hydrological reanalyses, including monitoring of land water resources and ocean dynamics, understanding large-scale hydrological extreme fluctuations, early warning systems, earth system model diagnostics and training of models.

Defending against climate change: a guide for military resilience (25/06/2024)

The JRC’s “Navigating Climate Change in Defence” report highlights the risks that climate change poses to military operations and infrastructure. It provides a climate risk management guide for the staff of Chiefs of Defence, emphasising the need to integrate climate considerations into defence planning. Key recommendations include aligning strategies with EU climate goals and fostering a culture of proactive risk management.

Transforming cities: data and tools to reduce local greenhouse emissions (25/06/2024)

The “Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy: Greenhouse Gas Emission Factors for Local Emission Inventories” report provides updated greenhouse gas (GHG) emission factors for local energy use and electricity consumption. This report supports over 13,000 local and regional authorities in developing Climate Action Plans to reduce energy-related GHG emissions. It can help local authorities align their climate actions with EU policies and improve their sustainability strategies.

Climate change and energy challenges for European buildings (25/06/2024)

This paper examines the impact of climate change on the energy efficiency of European buildings. Researchers evaluated current energy needs, focusing on building envelopes and national regulations. They highlight the need for dynamic, long-term planning in building design.

How flood risks are affecting loan pricing for small businesses (25/06/2024)

A new study explores how floods affect small business lending in Europe. The authors found that banks charge higher interest rates on loans in areas with a high risk of flooding. However, this extra cost does not fully cover the increased risk of loan defaults after a flood occurs. The authors highlight the need to incorporate climate risks into loan pricing and financial policies to reduce the financial vulnerability of small businesses and banks.

Welcome to our special edition 2024 Flash News (07/02/2024)

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How can a system change approach help accelerate Climate Change Adaptation? (07/05/2024)

Given the systemic nature of climate resilience, territories are looking at more systemic ways to address impacts of climate change. This paper argues that integrating Transformative Innovation (TI) into climate change adaptation (CCA) strategies would support regions towards the objective of the ‘transformative adaptation’ goal as outlined by the IPCC in 2022.

Climate neutrality: governance structures in urban areas (07/05/2024)

The article explores how European cities intend adjusting governance for climate action, emphasizing inclusive policies. It stresses targeted training in climate financing and planning. The importance of simplified methods for monitoring emissions, which rely on robust data collection and cooperation among stakeholders, was also emphasized.

Are EU regions ready to tackle climate change? (07/05/2024)

A recent study conducted by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in collaboration with external experts has provided valuable insights in assessing science, technological innovation, and policy priorities geared towards tackling climate change.

Driving urban transport towards climate neutrality: a study of 362 cities on the path to zero emissions (07/05/2024)

This article examines how research and innovation activities enhance cities' climate preparedness in general and in the transport sector. Results show a strong link between cities' proximity to R&I clusters and their candidacy for the EU Mission on climate neutrality.

Citizen knowledge and engagement can enhance urban biodiversity, a pilot project in 10 European cities shows (07/05/2024)

"BiodiverCities" sheds light on citizen-led urban biodiversity efforts with its Atlas, revealing collaborative processes between citizens and public institutions. It provides insights for EU Missions, such as the Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, stressing the crucial role of citizen engagement for the Green Deal success.

Covenant of Mayors: 2023 Assessment report (07/05/2024)

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is about to release its "Covenant of Mayors: 2023 Assessment" report, highlighting the pivotal role that local authorities play in Europe's efforts to achieve climate neutrality and build resilience. This report is particularly relevant to the EU Missions, offering actionable knowledge on the impacts of climate change and effective responses for mitigation and adaptation.

Visions for climate neutrality and opportunities for co-learning in European cities (07/05/2024)

The paper "Visions for climate neutrality and opportunities for co-learning in European cities" provides a space for cities to share their pathways to climate neutrality. It advocates for co-learning opportunities that can benefit a wide range of urban areas, emphasizing collaborative knowledge exchange among cities.

Transitioning to climate neutrality in Europe: risks for cities (07/05/2024)

In the paper "On the risks associated with transitioning to climate neutrality in Europe: A city perspective" cities express the need for knowledge support in managing a variety of risks (including organisational, operational, financial, and social risks) during their climate transition. This report highlights the essential role of targeted assistance and best practices in risk mitigation.

ACTIONbook: Innovation for place-based transformations (07/05/2024)

The recently published ActionBook on innovation for place-based transformation provides a detailed guide for advancing systems change at territorial levels. It includes guidelines, a collection of practices and tools for action, such as ways to improve multi-level governance and horizontal coordination relevant for climate adaptation, a taxonomy for sustainable activities, or ways to improve stakeholder engagement.

Cost-effective adaptation strategies to rising river flood risk in Europe (07/05/2024)

Effective adaptation strategies are crucial to reduce flood hazard and manage their consequences. The article “Cost-effective adaptation strategies to rising river flood risk in Europe” looks at four adaptation measures’ costs and benefits in support of EU Climate and Regional policy.

Economic impacts of climate change on EU agriculture: will the farmers benefit from global climate change? (07/05/2024)

This study examines the potential impact of climate change on EU agricultural markets by mid-century, considering various climate projections and market adjustments. Results suggest the farming sector in certain EU regions may gain an advantage from climate change in 2050, as important agricultural production regions outside EU are expected to face comparatively more severe negative productivity impacts. Moreover, findings suggest the heterogeneity of climate change impacts between Northern and Southern Europe and the importance of market and trade adjustments as adaptation mechanisms to climate change.

Three Reasons Why You Should Join the 7th DRMKC Annual Seminar (08/11/2023)

The 7th DRMKC Seminar aims to turn knowledge into action for disaster resilience, focusing on risk management, early warning, and communication amidst rising climate and disaster risks. Here are three reasons why you should consider follow the webstreaming.

September floods: EU’s CEMS forecasts and maps helped response and aid efforts (08/11/2023)

The EU's Copernicus Emergency Management Service supported disaster risk management during floods in Greece, Libya, and Spain thanks to its forecasting tools and detailed damage assessments.

Science4Peace: A data-driven toolkit for conflict early warning and crisis management (08/11/2023)

The Science4Peace portal merges conflict monitoring, forecasting, and detailed mapping to bolster early conflict warning, prevention, situational awareness, and crisis management. It encompasses four essential analytical tools: structural conflict risk assessment, short-term conflict prediction, real-time conflict event tracking, and crisis mapping. A new policy brief has just been published.

Drought Risk Atlas: heightened risk threatens the environment and the economy (08/11/2023)

Thanks to an innovative approach, combining expert knowledge and machine learning, the first European Drought Risk Atlas offers a detailed and disaggregated view on the risks posed by droughts to our societies and ecosystems, calling for the creation of strategies to safeguard the economy and environment.

Drones and planes: unprecedented imagery resolution supports disaster assessment (08/11/2023)

Drones and planes are enhancing the EU's disaster response, offering high-resolution imagery that complements satellite data. This advancement aids in accurate damage assessment and recovery tracking, promising a significant impact on future disaster management efforts.

RDH's New Application Programming Interface for Accessing European Data (08/11/2023)

The Risk Data Hub (RDH) offers now access to the data through an Application Programming Interface (API) for streamlined access to European disaster risk data. It offers up-to-date, Europe-wide data, enabling robust search and filtering for users via programming or a user-friendly interface. This enhances data dissemination, supporting a deeper understanding of disaster risks and effective policy development.

Boosting Local Disaster Planning: Training on INFORM Methodology and MapAction Partnership (08/11/2023)

We are excited to share the latest advancements in the INFORM Subnational risk models developments. The INFORM subnational risk models support national authorities with disaster risk reduction planning at the local level.

Disaster risk management: scientific publications from Q2 2023 (08/11/2023)

We have put together a collection of scientific publications produced by the Disaster Risk Management Unit of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. The studies have been published between April and June 2023. The compendium of scientific outputs is regularly updated and made available on the DRMKC scientific output page.

Geographical Discrepancies in Healthcare Accessibility within Sub-Saharan Africa (08/11/2023)

Research on Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) reveals a healthcare gap between urban and rural areas. In cities, 95% live within 30 mins of healthcare, while in rural areas, only 65% do. As urbanization increases, city healthcare faces pressure, highlighting a need for collaborative solutions.

Commission publishes new flood risk areas viewer to raise awareness about significant flood risks (08/11/2023)

EU unveils an online viewer, mapping over 14,000 areas at significant flood risk. This tool aids in raising awareness, preparation, and adaptation to extreme weather events, supporting decision-makers in mitigating climate risks effectively.

Countering the threat of civil drones: Commission presents new measures (08/11/2023)

In recent years, a great number of safety and security incidents concerning drones have been reported in Europe, many of which are caused by actors with criminal, illegal or even terrorist intent. JRC releases two handbooks to counter civil drone threats. They offer strategies for risk assessment and mitigation, focusing on cost-effective, multifunctional measures to address the rising of illegal and malicious use of drones.

Announcement from DRMKC - October 2023 (23/10/2023)

Registration open until 31 October

Saving as many lives as possible: science for Disaster Risk Management in the EU (18/07/2023)

This article shows how JRC supports the EU's disaster response, prioritizing life-saving measures, and infrastructure protection. The JRC’s geologists, meteorologists, hydrologists, among other scientists, have been trying to answer questions like: what can we do to anticipate damage and minimise its impact? Where is help (most) needed? This article presents some tools and resources developed by JRC.

New Tool Measures Vulnerability to Disasters in Europe (18/07/2023)

A new tool has been developed to measure disaster vulnerability in Europe, offering insights at different administrative levels By considering social, economic, political, and environmental factors, this tool can provide decision-makers with essential information for prioritizing risk reduction measures and support resilience-building efforts.

The INFORM report 2023: understanding global crisis risks and key priorities (18/07/2023)

The INFORM 2023 report shows increased global crisis risk over the past decade. Decision-makers can use the report's insights – based on the INFORM suite of tools designed to provide disaster risk data - to plan effective strategies in climate mitigation, adaptation, disaster risk reduction, or sustainable development.

New report highlights varying drought conditions across Europe (18/07/2023)

Europe faces varied drought conditions, according to a European Commission report. Southern Europe is recovering from a long drought, but the Iberian Peninsula remains in an "alert" state due to insufficient rain and heatwaves. New droughts are emerging in the north, affecting crop growth.

An innovative dataset and method to map changes in built-up areas (18/07/2023)

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) has launched a new release of the European Settlements Map (ESM) with a new methodology covering a spatial resolution of 2 meters for EEA-39 countries that provides detailed insights for urban planning and sustainable growth by analysing changes in built-up areas.

Towards an integrated approach to wildfire risk assessment: when, where, what and how landscapes burn (18/07/2023)

This paper reviews wildfire risk assessment concepts, including fire ignition, propagation, exposure, and vulnerability. It discusses their integration with mitigation efforts, reviews global operational fire risk systems, and proposes an integrated system under the FirEUrisk project.

Climate change and EU defence: released a new report analysing the links between climate, energy and defence (18/07/2023)

This report explores the interplay between climate change, energy, and defence. It underscores the need for EU defence to adapt to climate threats and enhance its resilience while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Assessing risks and enabling transitions: a city perspective on the challenges of achieving climate neutrality in Europe (18/07/2023)

First-of-its-kind risk analysis based on cities' experiences and inputs reveals gaps in understanding the risks of moving towards zero emissions targets. Provides insights for EU policymakers to design precautions, policies, support services, and an inclusive environment for zero-emission futures. Highlights the need for more research on non-technological aspects.

New report shows the potential impact of climate change on flood risk in Europe, with a focus on the insurance industry (18/07/2023)

There’s a new study conducted under the European Union's PESETA IV project looking at the potential impact of climate change on river flooding and related damage across Europe. Using statistical modelling to predict changes in flood damage, the study and its freely available datasets help insurance companies to better assess the financial impacts of flood risk and therefore to adjust their risk models.

Identification of vulnerable EU regions considering asbestos presence and seismic risk (18/07/2023)

Some EU buildings are old, energy-inefficient and contain asbestos, posing health and security risks. This report’s findings can help policy-makers prioritize regions that can benefit from a deep renovation to ensure safe and healthy indoor environments besides reduced energy consumption.

Drought in South America: how is the lack of water affecting ecosystems and the economy? (23/05/2023)

The current situation in the region is dire, as low rainfall, above-average temperatures, and persistent heatwaves have triggered one of the most severe droughts in decades. The repercussions of this drought are particularly felt in Uruguay, northern Argentina, and southern Brazil, where the cascading effects of water scarcity are taking a significant toll. Other reports on the drought in Europe or the Maghreb region can be found in the Global and European Drought Observatory websites.

The Global Human Settlements Layer 2023 is now out (23/05/2023)

The Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) project produces global spatial information, evidence-based analytics, and knowledge describing the human presence on the planet. A new and improved package of datasets has been produced and publicly released. Take a look at the main features of GHSL 2023 in the full article.

The EU 2022 wildfire season was the second worst on record (23/05/2023)

2022 was the second-worst wildfire season in the European Union since 2000 when the Copernicus’ European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) records began. Damages in 2022 exceeded those of 2021 and are only surpassed by those of 2017, according to data from the EFFIS Advance Report on Forest Fires in Europe, Middle East and North Africa 2022, which offers a preliminary assessment of last year’s wildfires.

“It’s an emergency!” Are you using or have you used GDACS? (23/05/2023)

The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) is a collaboration between the European Commission and the United Nations providing real-time access to web‐based disaster information systems and related coordination tools since 2004. After almost 20 years of operations, GDACS wants to revisit its functionalities to better fulfil users information needs. If you are or have been a GDACS user, you can help by replying to the quick survey.

Monitoring the implementation of the EU’s disaster resilience goals (23/05/2023)

This report explores concepts and architectures for monitoring the European Union's Disaster Resilience goals, recently adopted by the European Commission. This study suggests involving EU institutions and stakeholders in the design and data collection procedures to make it possible for MS/PS to address key concerns and lead to a more effective implementation of the disaster resilience goals.

Disaster risk management: scientific publications from Q1 2023 (23/05/2023)

We have put together a collection of scientific publications produced by the Disaster Risk Management Unit of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. The studies have been published between January and March 2023. The compendium of scientific outputs is regularly updated and made available on the DRMKC scientific output page.

Risk of humanitarian crisis: INFORM’s new mid-term update (23/05/2023)

INFORM products support decision-making on humanitarian crises and disasters, contributing to decisions at different stages of the disaster management cycle, specifically climate adaptation and disaster prevention, preparedness and response. A new mid-term update includes changes in indicators and the addition of new ones.

DRMKC NL - Foreword December 2022 (12/12/2022)

DRMKC NL - Foreword December 2022

Drought in South America: new report on La Plata Basin (24/01/2023)

This report from the Global Drought Observatory operated by the JRC shows that the Parana-La Plata Basin in South America is going through the worst drought since 1944. This region usually enjoys a rainy season from October to April. However, below-average records of rainfall for the past two hydrological years triggered dry conditions across south-eastern Brazil, northern Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. A weak South American Monsoon exacerbated the situation further.

Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre (DRMKC): a collaborative approach to foster resilience (24/01/2023)

We published a new paper showing the role of this knowledge centre and the approaches we have been following to put together different European Commission services, EU countries and the disaster risk community in an attempt to create science that allows everyone to better manage disaster risks.

The Global Conflict Risk Index (GCRI): a new report unveils the data and methods behind the conflict risk model (24/01/2023)

GCRI provides an accessible, objective and open-source evidence base to support the EU’s conflict prevention capacities and decision-making on long-term conflict risks. This report introduces the revised Global Conflict Risk Index and shows its latest changes and improvements.

Upcoming workshop on Global Flood Forecasting and Monitoring: 8-9 February (24/01/2023)

The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) is organising an online workshop focused on the recent advances in global flood forecasting and monitoring. It will include sessions ranging from the new developments to the Global Flood Awareness System (GloFAS) and the Global Flood Monitoring (GFM) products, to data access, use cases and applications, and open panel discussions.

The DRMKC is hiring a Data scientist (24/01/2023)

We are recruiting a Data scientist for the DRMKC support to the Science pillars of the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network. S/he will contribute to the assessment of the data and science landscape for different phases of disaster risk management. Submit your application before the 31^st of January! Stay tuned as more opportunities for joining the DRMKC will be published soon.

Code: 2023-IPR-E1-FGIV-022308 - ISPRA FG IV - Programme Officer - Data scientist for the DRMKC support to the Science pillars of the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network

Outcomes of the 6th Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre Annual Seminar (12/12/2022)

This year’s annual seminar marked the end of the first full year of activity of the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network. It was co-organized with DG ECHO and the French Ministry of Interior and took place in Paris on 22-23 November. 98 participants from 22 EU and non-EU Countries attended in presence,, plus remote participants via WebEx and followers of the web-streaming. Here is a brief summary of what was discussed.

The European Commission’s Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre - DRMKC at COP27 (12/12/2022)

The DRMKC organized a side event at the COP27 as a joint effort between scientists, practitioners and policy makers from the participating organizations to build the evidence base to inform future action on disaster risks.

The ‘Scientific Opinion on Strategic Crisis Management’ (13/12/2022)

Together with the Statement on ‘Values in times of crisis’ produced by the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies, this opinion have been handed over in the European Parliament to Commissioners Gabriel and Lenarčič.

Informing decision-making on the availability and accessibility of medical countermeasures: HERA’s threat prioritisation exercise (12/12/2022)

To guide and inform about the Union’s efforts to ensure the timely availability and accessibility of medical countermeasures, HERA identified a priority list of three categories of serious cross-border health threats, those being (1) pathogens with high pandemic potential, (2) chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, and (3) threats resulting from antimicrobial resistance.

First “State of Health Preparedness Report” from the Commission (12/12/2022)

The 2022 State of Health Preparedness report is the first of its kind. The report highlights the progress made in the fields of preparedness and response since the start of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, focusing in particular on medical countermeasures.

Inventory of crisis management capabilities (12/12/2022)

The inventory of crisis management capabilities aims to be used as an operational tool toquickly identifyand mobilise of available mechanisms, tools and instruments in a particular crisis situation. Moreover, it can be used as a reference tool to support the EU’s crisis management preparedness and response infrastructure and identify its gaps.

First operational activation of the Aerial Component of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) (12/12/2022)

The CEMS Aerial Component delivers centimetre-resolution images and digital surface models in its first activation, contributing to analysing the impact of a landslide in Ischia, Italy.

Global Projections of Population by Degree of Urbanisation (12/12/2022)

The Global Human Settlement Layer team kicks off a project to forecast the future spatial growth of human settlements and its population.

Science and solutions for climate-resilient Europe (13/12/2022)

EU-funded research underpins global climate assessments & plays a key role in building effective strategies for addressing the climate crisis. A recent publication from DG Research & Innovation showcases projects on different aspects of climate adaptation.

The European Climate and Health Observatory (13/12/2022)

The climate crisis is also an impending health emergency. The European Climate and Health Observatory aims to support Europe in preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change on human health by providing access to relevant information and tools.

CERIS Disaster-Resilient Societies State-of-Play (13/12/2022)

The CERIS Disaster Resilience Societies (DRS) State of Play event on 7-10 November has been very successful and proved to be as effective as ever regarding networking and project synergy-building.

The second edition of the Disaster risk management online seminars delivered by Coventry University has been successfully completed (13/12/2022)

Working with the Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre (DRMKC) and the Cooperation Network for Risk, Safety & Security Studies (CONRIS Network), the Department for Disaster and Emergency Management at Coventry University, UK, has completed the second Disaster Risk Management Training online series 2022. The event has attracted 218 registers, including 113 academics from 26 universities: 40 officials from the public sectors, and 53 participants from NGOs and other international disaster management agencies.

Learning corner (13/12/2022)

Learning opportunities from the DRM community

Science for “Early warning and early action” (05/10/2022)

This year the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) campaign will focus on “Early warning and early action for all” and, in particular, on Target G of the Sendai Framework: “Substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments to people by 2030”. This special issue of the FLASH NEWS from the Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre shares an overview of the recent research and activities of the European Commission that directly or indirectly contribute to the availability of risk information/assessments and to the delivery of early warnings for everyone.

High Level Event on New Technologies in Disaster Risk Reduction by the Czech Republic Presidency, the IFRC and UNDRR (05/10/2022)

A discussion, organized under the auspices of the Czech Republic in its capacity as European Union Council President, on best practices in the use of new technology and digitalization in disaster risk reduction to inform relevant policy making at the trans-national, governmental and agency levels, including upcoming EU Council Conclusions on Disaster Risk Reduction.

A map layer showing urban settlements worldwide (05/10/2022)

How many people live in areas affected by a flood event? Or how many settlements will be affected by a cyclone should it follow a given path? Are settlements expanding in exposed areas?

Early warning and monitoring systems that anticipate flood events and support disaster response (05/10/2022)

Recent developments from JRC research on flood forecast information, flood impacts, operational services for global hydrological forecasting and monitoring and flood risk management of trans-national river basins.

How the European and Global Drought Observatories provides drought-relevant information and early-warnings (05/10/2022)

Monitoring, forecasting, analysing and reporting about droughts in Europe and globally, with high-level indicators highlighting different warning levels for agricultural and ecosystem drought.

New tool to provide a harmonised fire risk assessment across the Pan-European region (05/10/2022)

From the collaboration between the European Commission and fire specialists from 43 countries, harmonised data in the Pan-European region for coherent strategies to prevent wildfire damages.

Maps that support disaster risk management worldwide (05/10/2022)

Ready-to-print maps and geospatial data within hours or days to support emergency management activities in the immediate aftermath of a disaster or on-demand provision of geospatial information for prevention, preparedness, disaster risk reduction or recovery phases.

Let’s understand each other: towards a shared taxonomy for DRM (05/10/2022)

Linking data and information across systems and disciplines for co-organising the existing knowledge and getting ready for system interoperability and machine learning

Workshop on local and near-field tsunami warning in the context of multi-hazard risk mitigation (05/10/2022)

Experts in early warning for earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis -including meteo-tsunamis- have come together to focus on possible synergies and best practices for tsunami early warning.

An interactive story map on Vulnerability to Disasters in Europe (06/10/2022)

A cross-scale indicator for measuring hazard-independent vulnerability in Europe, based on four dimensions (social, economic, political and environmental), to capture the systemic susceptibility of communities to disasters at different administrative levels over time.

INFORM Climate Change is operational: a new INFORM product that projects the risk of humanitarian crisis and disasters in the future (07/10/2022)

INFORM Climate Change complements INFORM Suite by adding a climate change perspective and insight into the future risk of humanitarian crisis.