Read about how geographic information systems (GIS) technology can help drive climate resilience for all.
In an era defined by the far-reaching effects of climate change, communities worldwide are wrestling with a spectrum of environmental challenges, from prolonged droughts to hazardous floods and relentless heatwaves. Amid this dynamic landscape, the imperative to fortify can proactively adapt, mitigate risks, and foster resilience in the face of evolving climate patterns and their consequential impacts.
Resilience has never been more pressing. Leveraging the power of geographic information system (GIS) technology and location intelligence is a pivotal strategy in navigating these complex realities. By harnessing the insights offered by GIS-driven solutions, all communities
The ArcGIS platform developed by Esri offers a comprehensive array of technical tools tailored for scientific, governmental, and community-based initiatives aimed at tackling climate change and fostering resilience, focusing on including underserved communities. With GIS, users can meticulously examine and easily visualize climate datasets, simulate forthcoming environmental scenarios, and formulate responsive plans for both mitigation and adaptation.
ArcGIS facilitates the dissemination of granular, geospatially oriented insights crucial for strategic planning, informed decision-making, and executing impactful measures. By embracing an empirical methodology, ArcGIS empowers the creation and implementation of evidence-based strategies, driving impactful climate interventions and nurturing a path toward a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
Equipping all communities with open data
Open data and GIS tools are vital for driving climate resilience projects in communities. Open data fosters collaboration and engagement, builds trust, centers discussions on facts, and promotes equity for all. Portals built on ArcGIS technology, such as NOAA’s Climate Mapping for
The Resilience and Adaptation (CMRA) portal and the UK Met Office’s Climate Data Portal offer universal access to crucial climate data. They are designed to help local communities plan for climate resilience by enabling informed decision-making and collective action. Esri’s Software as a Service (SaaS) open data capabilities provides communities with the authoritative data they need to make better decisions and accomplish their goals.
Climate change impact modeling
Esri collaborates with sea level rise experts to create authoritative data
Monitoring climate change and analyzing its impacts on various ecosystems and human activities can be challenging. Long-term climate data must be analyzed to identify trends and predict future changes. GIS is a powerful tool for modeling climate change impacts and assessing risks to environmental and socioeconomic systems. By integrating and analyzing spatial datasets, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into hazard zones, vulnerable populations, and infrastructure. Visualizing future scenarios enables informed decision-making and effective planning so communities can adapt and thrive in the face of climate change.
Identifying vulnerable populations and infrastructure with GIS provides valuable insights for effective planning and mitigation strategies. GIS empowers the creation of interactive maps and visualizations that engage and captivate audiences, making exploring climate change impacts an exciting and immersive experience.
Sea level rise scenarios
Sea levels along the US coastline are projected to rise 10-12in (25-30cm) by 2050, significantly increasing the extent of coastal flooding from tides and storm surges. GIS tools can model the impacts of sea level rise and identify regions at risk of inundation. Knowledge of sea level change guides the development of coastal defense mechanisms, zoning regulations, and evacuation plans.
Sea levels along the US coastline are projected to rise by 30cm by 2050
Flood impact analysis
In recent years, the frequency and intensity of flooding disasters have escalated, significantly affecting local communities. Over the past decade, floods have caused billions of dollars in property damage. GIS enables the integration and analysis of spatial data to identify vulnerable areas, predict flood patterns, and plan evacuation routes. Consequently, local governments can enhance their preparedness to mitigate property loss and protect human life.
Esri’s Flood Impact Analysis solution delivers capabilities that help develop localized flooding scenarios, visualize the impact of flooding on public infrastructure and critical facilities, and share maps with stakeholders. It enhances flood risk assessment, resource allocation, and response strategies, reducing flooding’s adverse effects on communities.
The flood impact maps help communicate the extent of flooding events and provide valuable information about the affected areas and the potential risks and hazards to government officials and the public. They also help emergency management agencies develop mitigation strategies, plan road closures, and prioritize evacuation areas.
GIS can also assess wildfire risks by analyzing vegetation types, land use, and historical fire data. This helps develop fire management strategies and allocate fire prevention and response resources.
Creating climate action plans with GIS
By integrating data and analysis, GIS provides a comprehensive view of current and future climate-related hazards. These dynamic maps enriched with precise data can unveil patterns, trends, and relationships essential for leaders to address risks from climate-related events.
GIS-driven location intelligence is integral to understanding and addressing the multifaceted impacts of climate change. By providing detailed spatial analyses, predictive modeling, and real-time data integration, GIS helps develop initiative-taking strategies to mitigate climate risks and enhance the resilience of communities and ecosystems.
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This article was originally published by Dr. Lorraine Tighe, Director of Earth Sciences Solutions at Esri, in the Meteorological Technology International 2024 Issue.
