Global climate crises drive demand for urban resilience and disaster preparedness

Global regions are facing intensifying environmental crises driven by climate change and the potential for a record-breaking El Niño event. The World Meteorological Organization has warned that the current El Niño, fueled by warm Pacific Ocean temperatures, could persist through February 2027, increasing the risk of droughts and floods worldwide.

Extreme weather impacts are being felt across all continents: Europe has experienced record heatwaves with significant excess deaths, while Africa faces water stress and desertification. Asia, Australia, North America, and South America are all confronting various forms of extreme heat, wildfires, hurricanes, and ecosystem threats, such as the crisis in the Amazon.

In response to these challenges, cities like Tokyo are exploring resilience strategies. The startup Sakigake Japan is developing AI and cloud-based platforms to visualize flood risks and localized downpours. Additionally, mobile cold-chain solutions, such as portable refrigeration, are being considered to provide essential support for food and medicine during summer heat emergencies when power infrastructure may fail.