Tech & AI: Tackling Natural Disasters in a Changing Climate

How can technology help communities stay ahead of natural disasters? 

Are AI and real-time data the key to improving disaster preparedness, response, and recovery? 

As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, governments, industries, and communities must leverage innovative solutions to build resilience. Emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, and predictive analytics are revolutionising the way we monitor and manage disasters—from floods and bushfires to cyclones and severe storms. But how can we bridge the gap between technology and real-world emergency management to ensure these tools have a meaningful impact?

This panel discussion will bring together leading experts from government, industry, and the climate tech sector to explore the evolving role of technology in disaster management. Speakers will share insights into the latest advancements, the challenges in implementation, and the collaboration needed to support both urban and rural communities before, during, and after a crisis. Whether you’re working in emergency response, technology, infrastructure, or government, this conversation will provide valuable perspectives on how we can better prepare for an uncertain future.

This panel discussion is jointly organised by FloodMapp and Early Warning Network.

Speakers

Clinton Rakich - Executive Climate and Nature Lead at TSA Riley

With over 20 years of experience, Clinton Rakich is a specialist in climate and nature risk, enhancing the resilience of communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure. He leads the development of climate and nature services within TSA Riley’s ESG team, focusing on compliance with climate and nature financial disclosure frameworks. His holistic approach identifies cost-effective opportunities for nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation, delivering positive social and environmental co-benefits.

As an Environmental Scientist and Climatologist, Clinton engages and empowers stakeholders to measure, manage, and mitigate climate change impacts. With 15 years at the Bureau of Meteorology delivering climate information services, Clinton has a strong background in interagency project management and service delivery. He has developed tailored climate exposure assessment and analysis tools for key clients in sectors such as property and facilities management, federal agriculture agencies, state government development agencies, and local councils.

Karen McCarthy - Executive Director Security, Crisis and Emergency Management at Transport for NSW

Karen is the Executive Director, Enterprise Security, Crisis and Emergency Management (ESCEM) branch within Transport for NSW. ESCEM aims to partner with, prepare and enable all divisions in protecting Transport for NSW – our people, our customers, and our assets - enabling the continued delivery of essential services for the people of NSW in an agile, highly coordinated manner to limit potential impact of an emergency or crisis event and enable an efficient and appropriate recovery.

Karen plays a key role for Transport as the Transport Services Functional Area (TSFA) Coordinator which is responsible for the delivery of TSFA roles and responsibilities within the state emergency management arrangements. ESCEM coordinates the State level coordination across all Transport divisions and operating agencies for the TSFA plan which has been demonstrated with the coordination of response to a range of crisis and emergency events including the COVID-19 pandemic, severe weather events, bushfires, incursion of foot and mouth disease into NSW and the electricity crisis.

Prior to her current appointment, in 2020 Karen held the executive level position of Chief Customer Officer of Sydney Trains where she led 3,100 people, providing strategic direction to the delivery of customer and network services planning and operations. Karen also had a long and decorated career in the NSW Police Force where she attained the rank of Superintendent. Karen has been awarded the National Medal, National Police Service Medal, NSW Police Force Medal and was the receipt of a Churchill Fellowship in 2013. Karen has also been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, receiving the Australian Police Medal for her 31-year career as an officer and her tireless work in the community.

M’Shenda Turner - Senior Director, ANZ Survey Operations, Nearmap

As Senior Director of Nearmap ANZ Survey Operations, M’Shenda and her team are responsible for planning, capturing, and processing content on more than 500 regular survey regions across Australia and New Zealand each year. This also includes delivery of the Nearmap ImpactResponse Program. M‘Shenda has been with Nearmap for 8 years, with a history working in Investment Management, and is a long-serving volunteer Firefighter with the Rural Fire Service. M’Shenda has a Bachelor of Commerce, a Graduate Diploma in Finance and Investment, and most recently completed a Masters of Sustainable Agriculture with a focus on sustainability within climate variability.

Agenda

5:30 pm - Registration

6:00 pm - Panel Discussion

7:00 pm - Networking

9:00 pm - End of the event

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