The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) - the world's largest humanitarian organization - released a report estimating the growth of humanitarian need if current human activities continue. Published this month, "The Cost of Doing Nothing" paints a bleak picture of global need for humanitarian assistance doubling to 200 million. The price tag, the report projects, could come to $20 billion annually.
The United Nations, the World Bank, the International Committee of the Red Cross and prominent technology companies have jointly launched the new Famine Action Mechanism (FAM). The Mechanism uses a range of data including satellite imagery to predict famines, ultimately aiming to prevent them.
Launched on 23 September, the FAM is a still-evolving algorithm that will use analytics to identify areas that are most likely to experience extreme food shortages.
The detrimental effects caused by river flooding are increasing to the point the number of people affected worldwide could nearly triple in the next 15 years, according to the World Resources Institute (WRI).
The institute's analysis shows that some 20 million people worldwide are exposed to flooding risks. This number is expected to rise to around 50 million by 2030.
The economical costs of flooding are also an alarming factor. In 15 years time, the annual cost to the world economy could reach more than £340bn.
On 4 November 2014 the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) in collaboration with Doctors Without Borders UK and the American and British Red Cross announced the opening of the Missing Maps Project.
More than 900 volunteers are helping in the recovery efforts in Philippines by collaborating on online maps, through the OpenStreetMap network. The method uses satellite technology and the knowledge of the public to develop those maps in order to help relief organizations. One week after Typhoon Haiyan hammered the islands, blocked roads, destroyed buildings and downed telecommunications systems it still difficult for survivors to receive the water and food they so desperately need. Relief workers continue struggling to reach some of the most devastated regions of the Philippines.
The 2013 edition of the World Disasters Report, with a focus on technology and the future of humanitarian action, was launched on 30 October 2013 at the Vienna International Centre. The launch was organised by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Embassy of Norway in Vienna and the Austrian Red Cross.
This is event is available for participation on an ongoing basis
English
Using technology to improve humanitarian action and save lives is a responsibility, not a choice!
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the United Nation Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), the Royal Norwegian Embassy Permanent Mission to the International Organisations in Vienna and the Austrian Red Cross are jointly organizing the presentation of the 2013 edition of the World Disasters Report with Focus on technology and the future of humanitarian action.
Vienna International Centre, C-Building, Conference Room C1, (2nd Floor), Vienna, AUSTRIA
Venue City:
Vienna
Event Organisers:
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), United Nation Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), Royal Norwegian Embassy Permanent Mission to the International Organisations in Vienna and Austrian Red Cross
From the research stage to full operation – The Center for Satellite Based Crisis Information (ZKI) is now on call around the clock. This service facility established in 2004 provides up-to-the minute satellite-based maps for activities related to natural and environmental disasters, humanitarian aid, and civil security worldwide. It is a service of DLR’s German Remote Sensing Data Center. On 22 January 2013 DLR in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) officially launched regular ZKI operations.
The American Red Cross Disaster Services is using Exede Enterprise satellite services from ViaSat Inc. to provide satellite connectivity during disaster response. Exede Enterprise services can provide download speeds up to 15Mbps using the transformational high-capacity satellite system created by ViaSat, extending the economic and performance benefits of high-capacity Ka-band satellites to customers beyond residential Internet subscribers.
NRSC’s largest core area in humanitarian aid is health and care. NRCS implements health programmes such as HIV and AIDS, water and sanitation, hygiene promotion and first aid, tuberculosis and malaria.
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