In March 2019, the International Telecommunication Union organized the 3rd Global Forum on Emergency Telecommunications (GET-19), which was hosted by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority of Mauritius. The forum focussed on the use of technologies in disaster management and highlighted the role of information and communication technology (ICT) networks and services in disaster risk reduction and management, and saving lives.
In response to disasters, innovative technologies and ICTs are being rapidly deployed around the world as they offer new opportunities to mitigate and adapt to new threats such as climate change. ICTs help to monitor and analyze short- and long-term climate trends, raise awareness, help protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions. The impact of human activities on the environment – and on our climate in particular – are issues of growing concern confronting life on Earth. Populations are becoming highly exposed to hurricanes and other extreme weather events. ICTs play an important role in producing valuable data that help policy makers style informed policy decisions and to identify and manage disaster risks. They also assist in monitoring and forecasting extreme weather events. As highlighted during the GET-19, national and regional coordination to prepare for the on onset of climate change related events is essential. The forum brought together almost 180 participants from over 30 Member States.
