Climate-fuelled disasters continue to devastate communities and ecosystems around the world. Incremental approaches to disaster management cannot keep up with the impacts of our changing climate. We must plan for record-breaking bushfire, record-breaking flood, record-breaking drought. The 2023 ANU Disaster Solutions Update will explore the latest research developments in transformational solutions to disasters that aim to prepare us for unprecedented scenarios. 

Hosted in-person at The Australian National University (ANU) and online, this event will be critical for any policy makers and disaster risk reduction practitioners; NGOs, practitioners and volunteers working in disaster risk reduction, preparedness and response; community-leaders, groups and members; and the wider community. 

PROGRAM
3-3.40pm: Research Showcase - Transformational Disaster Solutions
This session will provide an overview of how climate-fuelled disasters have impacted communities and ecosystems around the world in 2023 and showcase some of the latest research and innovations to help better prepare for unprecedented scenarios and mitigate the risk of record-breaking disasters. The session will conclude with audience Q&A.

• Associate Professor Roslyn Prinsley, Head of Disaster Solutions, ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions 
  Setting the Scene 

• Jack Miller, ANU Student 
  Harnessing AI to predict and track cyclone trajectories

• Emi Cashman and Owen Crofts, ANU Students 
  National Relocation Strategy for communities at risk 

• Alexander Bruce, ANU Student 
  A novel technology to rapidly extinguish remote area fire ignitions within minutes 

3.40-4.30pm: In-Conversation: Preparing for floods and drought
This in-conversation will discuss the slow-water movement and other innovative approaches available to prevent and manage increasingly severe and frequent floods and drought. The session will conclude with audience Q&A. 

• Erica Gies, Journalist and Author of Water Always Wins - Thriving in and Age of Drought and Deluge

• Professor Jamie Pittock, ANU Fenner School of Environment and Society

4.30-5pm: Break
Light refreshments available for in-person participants 
5-6pm: Panel - Re-thinking disaster readiness at all stages
This panel session will consider how we can prevent and reduce hazard exposure and vulnerability to disasters and increase preparedness for response and recovery. The session will conclude with audience Q&A.   

• Associate Professor Marta Yebra, Director, ANU-Optus Bushfire Research Centre of Excellence
  New technologies for early detection of bushfires

• Dr Astrid Vachette, Research Fellow, ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions
  Partnering with communities to strengthen resilience and protect people, property and environment

• Associate Professor Caroline Schuster, Senior Lecturer, ANU School of Archaeology and Anthropology 
  How can we address the insurance gap and funding shortcomings for successful recovery - learning from international experience

• Associate Professor Roslyn Prinsley, Head of Disaster Solutions, ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions 
  Moderator