Remote Sensing Into Early Warning Systems For Extreme Events To Inform Preparedness Actions And Risk Assessment Within The Humanitarian Sector

Remote Sensing Into Early Warning Systems For Extreme Events To Inform Preparedness Actions And Risk Assessment Within The Humanitarian Sector

Presented by Andrew Kruczkiewicz

2:40 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.

Remotely sensed data is increasingly changing the way climate and weather services are developed, with one benefit being the increased accessibility of data on a global scale. However, the impact and usefulness of this data are difficult to assess – particularly when it is most needed within complex socioeconomic settings such as migration, displacement, and disaster settings. With the use of climate and weather data, comes the responsibility to ensure that data is appropriately integrated into decision-making. Deeming climate and weather data useful requires that scientists engage with direct consideration for elements of decision-making, including being aware of how ‘real world’ decision-making concepts align (or not) with the scientific concepts inherent within the data and derived products, such as uncertainty, timescales, and thresholds. This means acknowledging mandates and governance structures, thus implying accountability for influencing decision-making, especially when there is a risk of disproportionate impact on traditionally underserved populations. This talk outlines some critical considerations of identifying, communicating and integrating climate and weather data within humanitarian policy and decision-making, using case studies from Africa, South America, and Asia.

.