G20 Science Academies Urge AI, Satellites to Strengthen Disaster Resilience

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Science academies from the G20 have urged governments to make greater use of artificial intelligence, satellite observation and other advanced technologies to prepare for and respond to natural disasters. In a joint statement, they also called for stronger international cooperation to close gaps in data access, local capacity and emergency coordination.

Technology remains underused

The statement, titled “Enabling the Effective Use of Technology for Resilience to Natural Hazards and Disasters through International Collaboration,” was released on November 10 by the Science20 (S20), a network of national science academies from G20 countries. It was led by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, this year’s S20 chair.

The academies said technologies including Earth observation, remote sensing, early-warning systems, digital twins, drones and AI could improve disaster forecasting, decision-making, response and recovery. However, they warned that many of these tools are still “underutilized, inaccessible, or ineffectively deployed” because of limited infrastructure, technical and financial capacity, and weak institutional coordination.

Five policy priorities

● The statement sets out five priorities for governments:

● Expand disaster data collection and strengthen risk forecasting.

● Ensure safe, equitable access to data and technology.

● Build locally tailored technologies and on-the-ground response capacity.

● Establish human-centered decision-making and technology governance.

● Expand joint development of knowledge and technology through international cooperation.

The academies also called for common data standards so information can be shared across borders. They said critical systems should continue functioning during power and network outages, and that AI should support—not replace—expert judgment.

Call for cooperation

“Natural disasters cannot be prevented, but international cooperation can help us to take better precautions and save lives more quickly in an emergency,” said Bettina Rockenbach, president of Germany’s Leopoldina academy.

The statement will be presented to G20 governments ahead of the leaders’ summit in Miami, scheduled for December 14–15. The S20 presidency has passed to Britain’s Royal Society for 2027, while South Korea’s science academy is expected to chair the group in 2028.

The National Academies will also hold a workshop on applying emerging technologies to U.S. disaster resilience, building on the statement’s recommendations.

“Disasters are inevitable,” the statement concludes. “The imperative is to ensure that we are better prepared when they occur.”