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

3-3.50pm: 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

3.50-4.30pm: 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 - Technological interventions to modify cyclone formation and intensity
• 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 

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 and the 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

More information:

• This is a hybrid event with the option to join online via Zoom or in-person at the ANU. 
• Light refreshments will be made available for in-person participants during a session break at 4.30-5pm. 
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