Humanitarian & Disaster Technologist
Writing on technology, crisis response, and the future of humanitarian aid — drawn from 15 years working in the field.
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Off-Grid Resilience: Powering Humanitarian Response
8–12 minutes1,928 wordsRead more: Off-Grid Resilience: Powering Humanitarian ResponseWhen a disaster interrupts electricity, the failure rarely stays confined to the power system. Water pumps stop, vaccine refrigerators lose temperature control, communications equipment becomes dependent on limited batteries, and health facilities may have to ration lighting and medical equipment. In a humanitarian operation, electricity is therefore not a convenience; it is an enabling service that supports public health, communications, logistics, security, and the safe operation of shelters. The most resilient response is not necessarily one that abandons generators altogether. It is one that combines appropriately sized renewable generation, storage, efficient loads, manual fallback procedures, and a realistic fuel plan.…
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Adaptive Infrastructure: Moving Beyond Static Resistance
3–5 minutes749 wordsRead more: Adaptive Infrastructure: Moving Beyond Static ResistanceFor decades, the philosophy of disaster-resilient engineering was built on the concept of “resistance”—designing structures to withstand a specific magnitude of impact, be it a Category 5 hurricane or a major seismic event. However, as the intensity and frequency of environmental stressors accelerate, the limits of static resistance are being reached. The new frontier in engineering is Adaptive Infrastructure. This approach focuses on systems that can sense, respond, and evolve in real-time to external pressures. By integrating Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) with active damping and reconfigurable components, modern engineering is creating a built environment that doesn’t just survive a disaster,…
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5 big trends in disaster response for 2023:
3–5 minutes768 wordsRead more: 5 big trends in disaster response for 2023:Disaster response has become an increasingly complex and challenging field, as the frequency and severity of natural disasters continue to increase. In 2023, disaster response organizations will face a number of emerging trends and challenges, including the integration of advanced technology, a shift towards community-led response, greater collaboration and partnerships, the impacts of climate change, and a focus on mental health and well-being. By understanding and adapting to these trends, disaster response organizations can improve their ability to respond to disasters and support communities in their recovery efforts. The following article will provide a comprehensive overview of the 5 big…
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The switch from fossil to renewable fuels in disaster response.
3–5 minutes780 wordsRead more: The switch from fossil to renewable fuels in disaster response.The use of fossil fuels in disaster response work has long been a contentious issue, with many calling for a shift towards renewable energy sources. The reasons for this are numerous, including the environmental impact of fossil fuels, the finite nature of these resources, and the increasing availability and affordability of renewable alternatives. One major concern about the use of fossil fuels in disaster response is their impact on air quality. According to a study by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the use of diesel generators during natural disasters can lead to significant increases in air pollution, putting both…
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Mobile apps in humanitarian aid.
4–6 minutes892 wordsRead more: Mobile apps in humanitarian aid.Mobile apps have become an increasingly important tool in the field of humanitarian aid, allowing aid organizations to more effectively respond to crises and provide assistance to those in need. According to a UN report, “Mobile technology is revolutionizing the way humanitarian aid is delivered. The speed, reach and cost-effectiveness of mobile networks make them a powerful tool for getting information to people in need and for coordinating responses to crises.” The report cites several examples of mobile apps that have been used to great effect in humanitarian aid, including “mHero,” a platform for connecting health workers in remote areas…
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The use of Starlink in disaster response: an overview.
3–4 minutes630 wordsRead more: The use of Starlink in disaster response: an overview.In recent years, satellite communications have become an increasingly important tool in disaster response. One of the most promising new developments in this field is the use of Starlink, a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX. Starlink has the potential to revolutionize disaster response by providing reliable internet access in remote and disaster-stricken areas. One of the key benefits of Starlink is its ability to provide internet access in areas where traditional infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. This can be crucial in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, when first responders and aid workers need to communicate and coordinate…
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AI and it’s use in disaster response.
3–4 minutes686 wordsRead more: AI and it’s use in disaster response.Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in disaster response efforts around the world. From predicting and preventing disasters to coordinating and delivering aid, AI is playing a vital role in saving lives and reducing suffering. One area where AI is making a significant impact is in the prediction and prevention of disasters. Machine learning algorithms can analyze data from a variety of sources, such as satellite imagery and weather patterns, to identify potential disasters and alert authorities. For example, a team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed an AI system that can predict the likelihood of a…