On 22 October 2024, the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) held a significant workshop under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) Knowledge Series. The event aimed to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can revolutionize Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in Europe. Erwan Marteil, Head of Unit DG ECHO.B3, opened the event, highlighting AI's role as a “force multiplier” to enhance resilience and preparedness against natural hazards. While AI and ML offer vast potential for early warning systems and climate impact forecasting, they have not been consistently integrated into DRM processes. The workshop aimed to present existing EU-led AI initiatives for DRM and identify strategies to effectively integrate these tools into the sector.
On 22 October 2024, the European Commission (DG ECHO) held a landmark workshop under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) the Knowledge Series to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can transform Disaster Risk Management (DRM) across Europe.
Erwan Marteil, Head of Unit DG ECHO.B3, opened the event, emphasising the importance of AI as a “force multiplier” for enhancing resilience and preparedness against natural hazards. He underscored that while AI and ML hold tremendous potential for initiatives such as early warning systems and climate impact forecasting, they have its own pitfalls and are not yet systematically incorporated into DRM processes. The event’s aim was twofold: to present current EU-driven AI initiatives relevant to DRM and to collaboratively envision the steps needed to integrate these tools into the sector in an effective way.
Part of the workshop, Martin Bailey from DG CNECT highlighted the European AI Office's work on implementing the AI Act, which focuses on developing trustworthy AI frameworks. Andrea Toreti from JRC presented efforts within the UN Focus Group on AI for Natural Disaster Management, detailing collaborative initiatives like a standardization roadmap for AI in disaster management. Stephan Siemen from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) introduced the European Commission flagship initiative Destination Earth, a major project developing a digital model of the Earth to simulate natural hazards and related human impacts.
Several real-world applications of AI in DRM were shared by speakers from both the public and academic sectors. Michele Ronco from JRC outlined the impact of AI on drought risk assessments, food crisis prediction, and wildfire response systems. Elena Xoplaki from Justus Liebig University Giessen discussed the MedEWSA project, which uses AI to reduce local communities’ vulnerabilities to hazards, creating forecasting and impact assessment tools. Francesco Focacci from Università eCampus and Francesco Pistolesi from the University of Pisa introduced the MEDEA project, which combines AI systems to estimate earthquake-related damages and psychological impacts, providing essential tools for prevention and post-disaster response.
Following the panels, participants divided into breakout groups to discuss questions on advancing AI in DRM. These sessions yielded insightful recommendations on capacity building, data accessibility, and the development of explainable AI outputs. Participants underscored the need for targeted training, open resources, and EU-developed learning materials to build widespread understanding of AI’s principles, risks, and practical applications across all levels of DRM.
As a first step towards advancing AI in DRM, the workshop facilitated the establishment of an "AI for DRM" Knowledge Page on the UCPM Knowledge Network website as part of the Knowledge Series, providing open resources and existing training materials.
Participants agreed that further engagement will be essential to building a robust framework for AI-driven disaster management. Future plans may include workshops and events to foster collaboration among stakeholders, both within and outside the Commission, as well as a potential high-level event in 2025 aligned with the new Global Initiative on Resilience to Natural Hazards through AI Solutions.
Sources:
Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network, European Union
Provided by the IKCEST Disaster Risk Reduction Knowledge Service System
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