How Technology and Climate Data Are Shaping Disaster Resilience: Key Insights from Climate Action Week Sydney

Last week, Early Warning Network and FloodMapp hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion at Climate Action Week Sydney, exploring the role of climate data, analytics, and emerging technologies in building resilience against natural disasters.

The event was a fantastic success, bringing together industry leaders, emergency managers, and climate risk experts for an in-depth conversation on how businesses, government agencies, and communities can better prepare for and respond to climate-related risks.

One of the biggest takeaways from the panel was the increasing importance of climate data and analytics in reshaping corporate governance, risk management, and operational planning. Businesses are no longer treating climate risk as a distant concern but as an immediate factor in decision-making. The introduction of new Australian climate reporting standards has accelerated this shift, driving demand for more sophisticated approaches to understanding and responding to climate risks. Organisations are now integrating real-time insights and predictive modelling into their strategies, ensuring they can proactively manage risks rather than react to them.

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Emerging AI, IoT, and other climate-focused technologies are playing a significant role in this transformation. Tools like Climatics are helping businesses access critical insights into past and present climate risks, supporting data-driven decision-making and asset protection. AI-powered early warning systems and real-time environmental monitoring are enabling faster, more informed responses to severe weather events, ultimately reducing losses and enhancing resilience. However, while these technologies present significant opportunities, implementing them comes with its own challenges.

Adopting new technologies requires careful integration into existing risk management frameworks, and organisations must avoid common pitfalls such as rushed implementation, lack of stakeholder engagement, and insufficient testing. Additionally, an ongoing debate remains about the balance between automation and human expertise. While AI and real-time data improve decision-making, they should be seen as enhancements rather than replacements for emergency managers and climate risk professionals.

Despite these challenges, the opportunities far outweigh the risks. From improving early warning capabilities to long-term resilience planning, advanced climate risk tools provide a powerful toolkit for corporate and community adaptation. As climate risks continue to evolve, harnessing data, analytics, and AI-driven solutions will be critical for building a more resilient future.

A big thank you to our expert panellists:
Clinton Rakich of TSA Riley
Sharad Joshi of Transport for New South Wales
M’Shenda Turner Nearmap

Your insights and expertise helped drive an engaging and dynamic conversation, offering valuable perspectives on how AI, predictive analytics, and IoT technologies reshape corporate governance, operational strategies, and climate risk planning.