Speaking points
Dr. Mona Nemer
Chief Science Advisor of Canada
Science and technology for integrated disaster risk management and climate change adaptation
UNDRR Plenary Session 1
Punta del Este
February 28, 2023
Check against delivery
(Vice-)President, Ministers, colleagues.
Buenos dias. Es un placer estar aquí en un hermoso país de Uruguay.
Thank you very much to the UNDRR and Mami Mizutori for the invitation to be here and to Dr. Smith for your kind introduction. It’s a privilege to be part of this esteemed panel.
Science and technology play a key role in integrated disaster risk management and climate change adaptation, from preparedness, to mitigation, response and recovery.
This, of course, is recognized in the Sendai Framework.
Let’s talk about preparedness. Effective disaster preparedness requires risk identification, data-driven risk assessments, robust early warning systems, and plans for efficient public communication.
Science and technology are key to data gathering and analysis including monitoring geospatial data, use of remote sensing technologies, modelling climate change impacts and forecasting risks.
Changing environments have cascading effects on all these elements which is why simulation exercises that focus on the logistics of the emergency response must include a science advice component to ensure scientific and technical evidence is up to date.
When it comes to mitigation, coastal integrity and resilient infrastructure are important elements of mitigation.
They rely on both technological and science-informed nature-based solutions, so in all cases you need science.
For example, the city of Vancouver in Canada is investing in green rainwater infrastructure to manage stormwater and reduce the risk of flooding. This infrastructure includes green spaces and porous pavements, which absorb and filter stormwater. This approach not only reduces the risk of flooding but also helps to improve the city's resilience to climate change.
Nature-based solutions are also used to deliver both climate and biodiversity co-benefits, helping to reduce the impacts of climate-related disasters.
For example, Canada has committed to planting two billion trees over 10 years and to conserve 30 percent of Canada’s land and water by 2030. These measures, which need to be informed by rigorous science, will help reduce coastal erosion.
This will also improve air and water quality, and cool our urban centres, helping, in turn, to overcome the increasingly frequent heatwaves.
Disasters of any kind have ripple effects on multiple sectors (like health, transport, and education). This is why science should be at the table at the start to anticipate cascading effects, suggest mitigation strategies and plan appropriate response for impacted sectors.
Take the COVID-19 response, we all appreciate how it came to involve multiple sectors besides epidemiology and health.
In providing science advice to our government for pandemic response, I consulted over 200 experts in various fields, including mathematics, virology, health systems, environmental sciences, education and psychology.
I’d like to specifically highlight the value of having social and behavioural scientists at the table. From day 1, they were able to anticipate the potential social consequences of some public health measures, including the impact on women, children and vulnerable communities. They shared early data on the pandemic mental health impacts and advised on mitigation strategies by engaging Canadians to be active agents and a part of the solution.
The advice from cross-disciplinary expert panels was invaluable in managing the pandemic and this approach will no doubt be beneficial in managing any disaster.
In addition to science advice, responding to disasters involves the use of real-time data and modelling. Relevant data can come from multiple sectors: government, academia, industry, and civil society; we need to have mechanisms in place to receive, analyse and use these data.
And just like countries rely on the military and humanitarian workforce during emergencies, the science workforce and infrastructure, whether inside or outside government, can be tapped for help, acting effectively as the technical surge capacity.
For example, environmental researchers can conduct water safety testing when water pipes have been damaged in an earthquake or measure pollution in the atmosphere after a wildfire; biochemists can run diagnostic tests like PCR testing and allied health professionals can administer vaccines.
Last but not least, science and technology play a crucial role in supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts.
As climate change alters the landscape, new infrastructure will need to withstand the current and anticipated risks.
Using flood mapping combined with modelling, we can avoid rebuilding in known and anticipated flood zones.
As we build back better, there’s a place for climate-smart solutions. Our current infrastructure is far too reliant on fossil fuels.
If the electricity grid is down, key services, like cell towers, hospitals and even data centers are reliant on fuel for their generators. We need technological innovations to rely on resilient energy sources and to honour our Net-zero commitment.
As we work together regionally and globally to reduce disaster risk, let’s not forget the importance of Knowledge sharing and international collaborations to build capacity and ensure that the benefits of science and research are shared by all.
The Canadian government has established the Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Program to help improve the ability of the Caribbean region to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods.
This program is one example where we are working together to generate, manage, and share knowledge of comprehensive disaster management and climate change adaptation.
To conclude, as we collectively work towards meeting the Sendai Framework objectives, science and technology have a role to play in all priority areas.
We can tap into the breadth of knowledge held by researchers in social and natural sciences as well as the invaluable contributions of Indigenous knowledge holders, and let’s not forget the vast expertise of practitioners and first responders.
There are still challenges for sure, but let’s commit to including science (and scientists) at the table from the get-go and using data, evidence and technology as we work towards the goal of “Zero climate disasters.”
Gracias. Thank you.