Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - Lifesaving early warning systems and mitigation for climate disasters (WPS103)

Summary

The session focused on the use of technology for climate mitigation and adaptation, particularly in the context of early warning systems and response to natural disasters.
Rodrigo Bellessoni from Ministrais Brazil discussed the Celo Verde platform, which helps agricultural producers in Pará, Brazil, ensure compliance with environmental laws and combat illegal deforestation using AWS cloud technology, AI, and satellite monitoring.
Melicia Rivera from Panama's Civil Protection discussed the modernization of Panama's early warning system for floods using AWS technologies and IoT sensors, which has improved decision-making and reduced the need for manual data collection.
Camila Saad from AWS highlighted the importance of multi-disaster early warning systems and discussed AWS's role in supporting such systems across Latin America, including earthquake detection and wildfire monitoring.
The session included discussions on the benefits of integrating science-based solutions with cloud technology for informed decision-making, cost reduction, scalability, and rapid response to environmental challenges.
The importance of collaboration between academia, the private sector, and governments was emphasized, as well as the potential for AWS technology to support disaster risk reduction beyond just flooding and deforestation.

The integration of cloud technology and scientific solutions can significantly enhance the public sector's ability to respond to climate disasters by providing scalable, cost-effective, and data-driven decision-making tools.
AWS's cloud infrastructure and IoT technologies are being used to modernize early warning systems, which not only improve disaster response but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing paper usage and supporting green disaster risk management.
The use of AWS technology in disaster risk reduction is not limited to a single type of disaster; it supports a multi-hazard approach, which is crucial given the interconnected and cumulative nature of climate-related disasters.
AWS's partnership with educational institutions and researchers is vital for accelerating research in disaster risk reduction, which is particularly important for Latin America, the second most disaster-prone region in the world after Asia Pacific.
The session highlighted the potential for technology to democratize access to data and tools for disaster risk reduction, enabling even small and resource-limited countries to implement advanced systems for the safety and protection of their citizens.