{"id":3310,"date":"2026-05-04T11:49:41","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T11:49:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/codata.org\/blog\/?p=3310"},"modified":"2026-05-04T11:49:41","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T11:49:41","slug":"disaster-risk-reduction-and-open-data-newsletter-april-2026-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/codata.org\/blog\/2026\/05\/04\/disaster-risk-reduction-and-open-data-newsletter-april-2026-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"Disaster Risk Reduction and Open Data Newsletter: April 2026 Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/div>\n
\"\"<\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Why disaster risk financing must evolve to meet the climate crisis<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Climate-related disasters are increasing in frequency and severity, while global adaptation and resilience finance remains largely reactive and far below estimated needs. Evidence shows finance flows often rise only after disaster losses occur, reinforcing a cycle of response rather than prevention. The analysis highlights mismatches between current adaptation funding and projected requirements, alongside findings that policy uncertainty discourages private investment. Financial instruments such as parametric insurance, catastrophe bonds, and blended finance are used in regions including the Caribbean, Pacific, and parts of Asia, but remain underutilised globally. Examples from Mexico, Indonesia, Kenya, and the Philippines show how pre-arranged disaster risk financing enables faster, more predictable responses to climate shocks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

CDIF4EOSC: watch this space!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

CODATA has advanced with the Grant Agreement Preparation process with the European Commission for CDIF4EOSC, a three\u2011year project aimed at strengthening cross\u2011domain interoperability within the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC). Building on the existing Cross\u2011Domain Interoperability Framework, the project will extend recommendations through profiles, guidelines, and use\u2011case examples to produce an actionable playbook supporting FAIR integration across EOSC and related data spaces. CDIF4EOSC will promote a FAIR\u2011by\u2011design approach to digital objects, supported by AI\u2011assisted FAIRification tools and tested through use cases in ocean science, climate adaptation, and safe and sustainable materials. With a total budget of \u20ac8\u202fmillion, the project brings together a large European consortium and targets direct integration with EOSC Federation Nodes and Common European Data Spaces.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Unlocking the Economic Dividend of Resilience Investment<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Resilience spending isn\u2019t just \u201cavoiding future damage\u201d\u2014it can be an economic stimulus right now. Resilience investment is often sold as insurance against tomorrow\u2019s disasters. Tonkin + Taylor says that framing is too narrow\u2014and it slows action when budgets are tight. Instead of counting only \u201cavoided losses\u201d from floods, slips, or coastal inundation, it urges decision-makers to capture the \u201ctriple dividend\u201d: preventing damage, unlocking economic and development gains (jobs, growth, business confidence), and delivering social and environmental benefits that accrue even if no disaster strikes. It points to New Zealand\u2019s long history of flood protection, noting assets valued at $3.6b delivering $13b in benefits each year. With public funding constrained, it backs beneficiary\u2011pays and value\u2011capture tools, and faster property-level upgrades supported by insurance and low-interest finance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Systemic risk is the hidden tax on growth: insurance can help<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Systemic risk is increasingly shaping economic growth as climate shocks, geopolitical disruption, public\u2011health crises and technology concentration collide. The article argues these risks often begin invisibly, raising capital costs, discouraging innovation and weakening resilience until they cascade into crises, as COVID\u201119 demonstrated. Climate disasters are widening insurance \u201cprotection gaps\u201d as coverage retreats in higher\u2011risk areas, affecting property markets and investment. Supply\u2011chain shocks and threatened shipping choke points add volatility and inflation pressure, while AI\u2019s reliance on concentrated data centres and semiconductor supply chains creates fragile failure points. The proposed shift positions insurance as a growth stabiliser through risk modelling and risk\u2011sharing, early warning, incentives for adaptation, and public\u2011private risk pools.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Building the Market for Resilience: A new opportunity for financial institutions<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Insured losses from natural catastrophes have exceeded $100 billion for six straight years. Banks in emerging markets are already seeing the consequences through higher loan defaults, weakened collateral after repeated storms, and uninsured small businesses. Adaptation is no longer primarily a government responsibility, as firms are investing in resilience to protect assets, operations, and supply chains. With resilience solutions markets growing, financial institutions can accelerate the shift by integrating physical climate risk into credit and investment decisions, financing resilience through debt and equity, and using tools like contingent finance and resilience bonds. As more countries publish National Adaptation Plans and clearer taxonomies emerge, early-mover banks could help unlock a $130 billion-a-year resilience financing opportunity by 2030.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

AI and drones team up to find climate-resilient wheat<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

AI and drones are helping wheat breeders find varieties that stay productive as weather becomes more erratic. A 2026 study tracked 64 durum wheat varieties in Mediterranean conditions, comparing irrigated plots with rainfed fields. Drones carrying multispectral and thermal sensors captured early signs of plant stress and moisture, and AI models used that data to predict not only yield but \u201cproduction stability\u201d across good and bad seasons. The key finding challenges a common assumption: staying green late into the season did not reliably boost yields and could reduce stability. Instead, the most resilient performers showed vigorous early growth and earlier maturation, helping them avoid late-season heat and drought.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

How AI\u2019s language barrier limits climate disaster responses<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

AI is increasingly used by governments and organisations to scan social media for early warning signals during floods, heatwaves and other climate emergencies, but a major blind spot is language as it\u2019s actually used online. Posts often rely on code switching, slang, Pidgin, sarcasm, and locally shared cues of urgency, so an AI trained on western\u2011centric, standard English data can misread a genuine call for help as casual commentary. That cultural fingerprint in training data can systematically diminish underrepresented voices in developing countries, with real consequences when misinterpretation delays response and puts lives and property at risk. The fix is practical: train and test models on real regional posts, and build systems that recognize cultural context and urgency signals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n
\n
\n

Integrating climate adaptation and peacebuilding: capacity development in climate and conflict-affected communities<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Communities affected by armed conflict face heightened vulnerability to climate change due to displacement, infrastructure damage, restricted mobility, and limited access to land and water. Climate change adaptation and peacebuilding interventions both seek to reduce vulnerability and build resilience, yet they have largely developed in separate policy and practice domains. Using a two\u2011stage case study from a conflict\u2011affected region of Colombia, based on semi\u2011structured interviews and document analysis, the analysis identifies areas of convergence and divergence between these approaches. Six domains of potential synergy emerge\u2014 access to information, education, social networks, employment, environmental management, and healing. Two notable gaps remain, relating to protection and safety, and socio\u2011cognitive factors such as social identity and risk perception. An integrated framework is proposed to better align adaptation and peacebuilding efforts and reduce reinforcing cycles between climate vulnerability and violent conflict.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Landscape of climate finance in Ethiopia<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ethiopia has built an ambitious climate policy platform since launching its Climate Resilient and Green Economy strategy in 2011, aiming to combine rapid growth with low\u2011carbon development and stronger resilience. But the report\u2019s 2019\/20 mapping shows climate finance remains far below need: around USD 1.7 billion a year was committed, just 7% of estimated requirements of USD 25.3 billion and under 2% of GDP. Funding skews toward adaptation at 56% compared with 38% for mitigation, and flows are dominated by international public finance, mostly delivered through grants. To close the gap, the report argues for stronger tracking and transparency, more blended finance and PPP approaches to de-risk investments, central-bank reforms to unlock green lending and capital markets, and long-term capacity support so sub-national and non-state actors can build investable pipelines.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Gender in climate and disaster risk finance and insurance in Bangladesh<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Bangladesh\u2019s escalating climate hazards are intersecting with entrenched gender and social inequalities, and the paper argues CDRFI will not deliver fair outcomes unless inclusion is built into the financial architecture, not added on through pilots. It finds Bangladesh has extensive policies, but implementation is held back by weak coordination across ministries, limited gender-relevant tracking and data, and market rules that still make access harder for women\u2014especially when customer data are not disaggregated and enrolment processes rely on documentation many women do not hold. The recommendations focus on enforceable levers: linking budget release to gender markers and results, strengthening legal and regulatory requirements for gender-responsive product design, using microfinance networks as a scalable delivery channel, investing in awareness and trust-building, and creating a standing coordination mechanism so finance, data, and delivery systems work together.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Introduction to financial assessments to address climate change<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Turning climate plans into action increasingly depends on knowing what measures cost, where the money can come from, and how to shift finance at scale. UNDP\u2019s financial assessments are designed to estimate the incremental, direct funding required to implement climate measures, identify the size of the financing gap, and map potential sources of public and private finance. The aim is to help countries move from targets to delivery by strengthening budget planning, aligning ministries around a shared investment pathway, and building evidence that can support policy reform and stronger climate finance proposals. The assessments can be applied to different national goals, including NDCs and long-term strategies, and are positioned as a repeatable planning tool that supports implementation decisions as well as engagement in international climate finance and negotiations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

AI for Social Risk Forecasting and Explanation: The Power of Machine Learning\u2013Based Social Risk Models<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

AI is increasingly being used to forecast social risks that can destabilise fragile and climate-affected settings, including conflict, displacement, and crime. The article presents three proof-of-concept machine-learning models that combine satellite imagery, text analysis of news and social media, and economic, climate, and geospatial indicators to detect changing risk patterns and generate usable proxies where official statistics are limited. Reported out-of-sample accuracy ranges from 63\u201376% for conflict prediction and 70\u201374% for population change, and the explanatory signals most associated with elevated risk include politically sensitive language, economic pressure and price shifts, climate stress, and changing social perceptions. The takeaway is that social-science-informed AI can complement conventional analysis by improving monitoring, enabling earlier action, and supporting more targeted allocation of limited resources.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n
\n
\n

 <\/p>\n

Dataverse Community Meeting 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Dataverse Community Meeting 2026 has announced it will convene in Barcelona, Spain.\u00a0<\/strong>This year\u2019s theme,\u00a0\u201cAdvancing Data and Dataverse: AI, Interoperability, and Sensitive Data\u201d, highlights key areas of interest for data professionals and researchers. The three focus areas are building AI solutions for data to enhance repository workflows, data quality, and AI-ready data; improving interoperability to enable richer linkage and reuse across datasets, domains, and platforms; and expanding support for sensitive and restricted data.<\/p>\n

Date & location: 12-15 May 2026, World Trade Center, Barcelona, Spain<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

TWO WEEKS TO GO \u2013 Call for participation: UNESCO and CODATA survey on open science for data policy for times of crisis<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

UNESCO, in collaboration with the\u00a0International Science Council\u2019s Committee on Data\u00a0(ISC CODATA), has launched a\u00a0global survey\u00a0to assess how organizations are implementing data policies for times of crisis, in alignment with open science principles. The survey builds on the Data Policies for Times of Crisis Facilitated by Open Science (DPTC) resources as part of the\u00a0UNESCO Open Science Toolkit. By participating in this survey, organizations contribute to shaping global dialogue and advancing coordinated, ethical, and effective data management for future crises.<\/p>\n

The questionnaire takes approximately 10 \u2013 15 minutes to complete. The deadline to submit your response is 11 May 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

GEO Symposium & GEO-21 Plenary<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The 2026 GEO Symposium and GEO-21 Plenary explore how Earth Intelligence can drive transformative, resilient solutions for people and the planet at a pivotal moment in the implementation of GEO\u2019s Post-2025 Strategy. This year\u2019s theme is \u201cInvesting in Earth Intelligence for a Resilient Future\u201d. It will convene governments, space agencies, research organizations, private sector innovators, and development partners.<\/p>\n

Date & location: 26-28 May 2026, World Meteorological Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Global Water Summit 2026<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The need for a water transition is easy to endorse. Delivering it is harder. Climate extremes, rising energy demands, and pressures on capital mean the systems we rely on must adapt \u2014 quickly. New technologies and AI will tackle such challenges, even as they place new demands on water. How do we strike a balance? This year\u2019s Global Water Summit is about turning that question into action \u2014\u00a0adapting faster, smarter, and at scale<\/p>\n

Date & location: 18-20 May 2-26, Madrid Marriott Auditorium, Spain<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

WDS-ECR Co-Chair Opportunity: Apply Now!\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The World Data System Early Career Researcher Network (WDS-ECR) invites applications for a co-chair position. The selected candidate will join two current co-chairs in leading a global network dedicated to promoting best practices in research data management and fostering professional growth among early-career researchers. This is a three-year term, starting in July-August 2026, offering an excellent opportunity for early-career data stewards who aspire to make an impact on the international stage.<\/p>\n

Application deadline: 31 May 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

CALIBRATE 2026: Africa’s Climate Entrepreneurship Summit<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Calibrate 2026 invites researchers, innovators, and practitioners to contribute to Africa\u2019s premier climate entrepreneurship summit through research papers and innovation showcases. Visit the website for thematic areas of each. Selected papers will be considered for publication in the\u00a0Journal of Nature-Based Solutions and Innovations (JNSI)<\/strong>, while outstanding innovations will be featured in Nature-Based Solutions Magazine and eligible for the pitch competition with investment opportunities.<\/p>\n

Abstract submission due 30 April 2026, full paper deadline due 11 May 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date & location: 21-23 May 2026, Accra, Ghana<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

10th International Conference on Flood Management (ICFM10)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The International Conferences on Flood Management (ICFM) stand as a distinguished global platform committed to addressing and advancing the field of flood management. The theme for this years conference is \u201cAdapting to Global Change: Innovative Approaches to Flood Management and Resilience\u201d. The ICFM brings together experts, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers from across the globe to deliberate on contemporary challenges and innovations in flood management.<\/p>\n

Date & location: 20-22 May 2026, London, Ontario, Canada<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Why disaster risk financing must evolve to meet the climate crisis Climate-related disasters are increasing in frequency and severity, while global adaptation and resilience finance remains largely reactive and far below estimated needs. Evidence shows finance flows often rise only after disaster losses occur, reinforcing a cycle of response rather than prevention. The analysis highlights […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3310","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-drr-and-open-data-newsletter"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/codata.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3310","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/codata.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/codata.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/codata.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/codata.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3310"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/codata.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3310\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3311,"href":"https:\/\/codata.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3310\/revisions\/3311"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/codata.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3310"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/codata.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3310"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/codata.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3310"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}