An international project to improve disaster and climate resilience has received funding through Horizon Europe, the EU’s largest research and innovation programme. This climate adaptation project is a collaboration between the University of Auckland, partners in New Zealand and internationally such as the NGO’s the Prospex Institute and E2ARC Architecture & Research for Cities in Belgium.
The project called Minority Report will use predictive digital technologies and AI assisted solutions alongside close collaboration with citizens, experts and stakeholders to help protect cities and vulnerable populations from extreme climate events.
Associate Professor Theuns Henning, from the University’s Faculty of Engineering and an affiliate of Ngā Ara Whetū – Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society, is a project member of Minority Report. Henning says, “We want to build a better simulation of hazards and how these hazards impact urban infrastructure, then support that with an automated way of identifying potential strategies for adaptation and decision-making.”
As climate change accelerates, the frequency and intensity of events such as flash floods, forest fires, and storm force winds increase, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable communities. Minority Report’s mission is to leverage cutting-edge technologies, a co-creative framework, sustainable practices, and community participation to safeguard the most vulnerable communities and their homes.
The total funding is approximately $NZ9.32 million with $2 million allocated for the New Zealand partners which include the University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, Wellington City Council and Urban Intelligence Limited.
The Minority Report project received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Innovation Action programme under grant agreement no 101147385. Learn more about the project.
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