Why in news?
The Indian National Science Academy (INSA) has endorsed a joint statement by the science academies of G20 countries on using technology to strengthen disaster resilience. Released on 10 November 2026 under the leadership of the US National Academy of Sciences, the statement offers scientific advice to governments ahead of the G20 summit in Miami in December. It examines how tools such as satellite observations, early warning systems and artificial intelligence can improve preparedness and response. Its recommendations also address the people, data and institutions needed to turn those tools into useful decisions on the ground.
INSA and the Science20 process
INSA promotes science in India and the use of scientific knowledge for public welfare. It brings scientists together through national and international networks. The academy began in January 1935 as the National Institute of Sciences of India and adopted its present name in 1970. Its headquarters are in New Delhi.
Science20, or S20, brings the science academies of G20 countries into a common advisory process. The academies develop recommendations on shared problems and place them before governments. This year's statement focuses on the effective use of technology for resilience to natural hazards and disasters through international collaboration.
According to the Department of Science and Technology, INSA will bring the recommendations to relevant Indian stakeholders. It also plans to facilitate engagement among scientific experts, research institutions and government agencies. These connections can help scientific advice reach the institutions responsible for practical decisions.
Understanding risk before choosing a tool
A natural hazard becomes a disaster when it causes serious harm to people, infrastructure or ecosystems. The same heavy rainfall can have different consequences in different places. The position of homes, the condition of infrastructure and people's ability to respond all influence the impact.
Disaster planning therefore needs information about the hazard and the people and assets in its path. This is why the statement calls for stronger observation systems and better data on infrastructure, housing, transport, communications and vulnerable communities. A useful risk assessment connects the physical event with the conditions of those who may be affected.
From observation to action
Earth observation uses measurements of the planet, including those made by satellites. Remote sensing gathers information from a distance. Such observations can help agencies monitor conditions over large areas and feed information into models that estimate how an event may develop.
An early warning system connects risk knowledge, monitoring and forecasting with communication and readiness to respond. Authorities need to interpret a forecast, communicate a clear warning and prepare people to act. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction treats these as linked parts of one system.
For example, in flood preparedness, observations of rainfall and river conditions can inform forecasts. A warning then has to reach the people at risk in a form they can understand. Prepared evacuation arrangements and trained local teams help turn that information into timely action. This illustrates the connection between a technical forecast and a community's response.
Five connected areas for action
The S20 statement first calls for stronger data collection and a better understanding of risk. It then recommends safe, secure and equitable access to data and technology. Common standards help different systems exchange and use information, while resilient communications help services continue during disruption.
A third area is local skills and context-specific solutions. Training helps people operate systems, interpret information and maintain equipment. Community participation brings knowledge of local conditions into planning. These capacities help a technology remain useful after its initial installation.
The fourth area concerns human decision-making and governance. The statement calls for oversight, local validation, transparency and clear communication of uncertainty. The fifth is sustained collaboration among governments, researchers, industry and communities, including the joint development of knowledge and technology.
Conclusion
The joint statement links scientific tools with the institutions and local capacity needed to use them. INSA's role is to carry that advice into India's scientific and policy networks. The practical aim is better preparation, clearer decisions and a response that reaches people in time.
Sources
- Department of Science and Technology: INSA's endorsement and planned follow-up
- US National Academy of Sciences, 10 November 2026: S20 statement and purpose
- Science20 2026 joint statement: technology and international collaboration for disaster resilience
- INSA: foundation, history and public role
- UNDRR: linked components of an early warning system