01/07/2024

Flash News from the
Disaster Risk Management
Knowledge Centre

A building block of the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network's Science Pillar

Welcome to the summer edition of the DRMKC Flash News.

As we conclude the second quarter of 2024, we celebrate the Civil Protection Forum and the release of two flagship reports: one on cross-border and emerging risks in Europe and another one that uses a foresight approach to analyse 40 risks on the horizon. These represent significant milestones in our collective efforts to enhance risk assessment, prevention and build resilience against both known and emerging risks.

Looking forward, the insights and strategies shared during this key event and in our Knowledge Synthesis will play a crucial role in shaping the future of disaster risk management, ensuring that Europe remains prepared and resilient in the face of the evolving challenges.

Main Highlights

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EU Civil Protection Forum 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

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

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

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”

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

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.

Additional Resources

Adaptation to climate change: EU Mission activity report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

FLASH NEWS - JULY 2024

Flash News from the Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre