Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform early warning systems (EWS), critical devices that save lives by anticipating natural disasters Such as hurricanes, floods, or fires. Thanks to fast data processing capabilities and continuous improvement in forecast accuracy, Artificial intelligence promises to improve these systems, making them more efficient, and perhaps more accessible For a larger segment of the world's population.
currently, Less than 52% of countries have access to effective structural adjustment programmesThis figure is lower than that for least developed countries and small islands (46% and 39%, respectively). yet, The need to expand these systems to all parts of the world is vital. Because these areas are often the most vulnerable and exposed to natural disasters.
Here comes the role of artificial intelligence: She can Bridging these geographical gaps By making More accurate and faster alerts And better Adapted to local needs.
Artificial Intelligence: The Promise of Increased Efficiency
Many technologies are based on artificial intelligence Under development or already in use To improve risk and disaster detection and management natural. For example, companies like Google DeepMind and Nvidia I was created Medium range weather models Which is superior to traditional tools in speed and accuracy.
These models can predict small-scale events, such as severe thunderstorms, with increasing accuracy. Other innovations include artificial intelligence-based tools Detecting forest fires via satellite images or drones, Or for Monitor extreme precipitation By combining communications data.
These techniques have already shown their effectiveness, Especially in Real-time flood monitoring By analyzing satellite images, as the company does RSS Hydro In partnership with the European Space Agency. These developments show that AI can significantly improve the speed and accuracy of alerts.
Challenges to be faced to ensure accessibility
Despite this progress, Artificial intelligence is not a silver bullet. One of Major challenges RelatedInequality in access to data and technological infrastructure. For example, in Rich areas, Radar systems and sensor networks are more advanced, This allows AI algorithms to be trained on higher quality data.
On the other hand, In less developed countries, these tools are not easily accessibleThis may lead to bias in predictions and reduce the effectiveness of early warning systems.
Another big challenge: – The absence of international standards to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in managing risks and natural disasters. Although some initiatives, such as the United Nations Specialized Group on Artificial Intelligence in Disaster Management, have already established standards to improve transparency and accountability in AI tools, There is still much to be done.
Having these standards is critical to ensuring that systems operate reliably It can be deployed effectively in a variety of contexts, especially in areas where it is needed most.
Towards accessible early warning systems?
Artificial intelligence has huge potential to revolutionize early warning systems, especially in developing countries. However, for these tools to be truly accessible to everyone, It is necessary to overcome obstacles Related Access to infrastructure and data, Besides Develop strong international standards.
While ongoing efforts are being made to improve these technologies and make them more inclusive, Artificial intelligence can play a major role in reducing disaster risks globallyThus saving millions of lives. However, equal access to the benefits of these developments must remain a top priority.
References: Kuglitsch, M.M., Cox, J., Luterbacher, J., Jamoussi, B., Xoplaki, E., Thummarukudy, M., Radwan, G.S., Yasukawa, S., McClain, S.N., Albayrak, R.A., Oehmen, D. , Ward, T. (2024, October 1). Artificial Intelligence to the Rescue: How to Boost Disaster Early Warnings Using Tech Tools. nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-03149-z
