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Pavia, Italy, September 30, 2023 - The Global Earthquake Model (GEM) Foundation is poised to mark a significant milestone as it readies to openly release a number of cutting-edge global earthquake products on the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, slated for October 13th, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. CEST. The 2023 global earthquake products were first presented during the highly successful GEM Conference: "Are we making a difference?" held in June in Bergamo, and with this release event they will become available for use by a wide range of stakeholders, from academics to engineers to disaster risk managers. 

This landmark online event signifies a momentous stride toward raising global seismic risk awareness and enhancing preparedness and contributes to the international day’s theme of eliminating disaster vulnerabilities that exacerbate inequality around the world.

What products and resources will be released?

GEM will introduce an extensive array of openly downloadable seismic risk assessment products and resources in various formats, all released with either a CC BY-SA or CC BY-NC-SA license, including:

• Global Seismic Hazard: raster map, models, interactive viewer, high-resolution image files, B1 size poster

• Global Seismic Risk: interactive viewer, high-resolution image files, B1 size poster

• Global Exposure: data and models, interactive viewer, high-resolution image files

• Global Building Vulnerability Models

• Country Seismic Risk Profiles

Advancing Disaster Risk Resilience

Helen Crowley, Secretary General of GEM, underscores the core event objectives: “Our primary mission is to widely disseminate the latest global seismic hazard and risk maps, together with an array of resources that illustrate GEM’s collaborative approach towards open standards, data, software, and tools. We are committed to elevating the awareness of seismic risk among government agencies, insurance entities, and academic communities engaged in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), so that measures can be taken to address the disparities in disaster vulnerability that exacerbate inequality around the world.”

These maps and data are poised to catalyze more robust building codes, sophisticated land use planning, enhanced emergency response and recovery strategies, safeguarding of critical infrastructure, and improved access to comprehensive insurance coverage. GEM firmly believes that by making this information accessible, it can initiate a paradigm shift in disaster preparedness and response strategies, ultimately narrowing the gap in disaster impact between different social and economic groups.

Mami Mizutori, Head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), adds, "These resources are pivotal in advancing the objectives outlined in the Sendai Framework. Providing communities with actionable information is the cornerstone of disaster risk reduction, and these maps represent a monumental leap in achieving that objective while helping to address the glaring issue of disaster-induced inequality."

Scientific Innovation at the Core: Values and Benefits

The Global Earthquake Hazard and Risk Maps represent a quantum leap in our ability to comprehend and mitigate seismic risks, particularly in earthquake-prone regions. John Schneider, former GEM’s Secretary General, now Senior Advisor elaborates, "These updated tools offer accuracy, resolution, and coverage, complemented by novel risk indicators, building vulnerability assessments, and comprehensive country profiles. By incorporating the latest scientific advancements, these resources equip policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and communities with indispensable insights to drive decision-making and disaster preparedness while contributing to a more equitable distribution of resilience resources."

By facilitating an in-depth understanding of seismic hazards and their potential ramifications, these tools play an indispensable role in minimizing seismic risk, nurturing resilient societies, and safeguarding public welfare on a global scale with a keen eye on reducing inequality in disaster impact.

Answering the Call: A Call to Action

Join us on October 13th as we explore GEM's innovative earthquake hazard and risk products, with a commitment to reducing the disproportionate burden of disasters on vulnerable populations. Together, let's strive for a safer, more resilient future in the face of seismic challenges while addressing the issue of inequality. Mami Mizutori adds, "This undertaking transcends beyond data; it's the forging of resilience and equity. Let it be a unifying call to action for all stakeholders working and engaged in the science of disaster risk reduction."

Targeting a Global Audience

These resources, methodologies, and tools hold substantial worth to a wide spectrum of stakeholders. This includes engineering firms, academic institutions, insurance and reinsurance companies, brokers, technology firms specializing in risk analysis and modeling, GEM's Governing Board members, end-users of the products, and the expansive GEM stakeholder network. All share a common dedication to fostering resilience and equity in disaster risk management.

To obtain additional information and to complete your registration for the event, please visit the following link:

https://www.globalquakemodel.org/gemevents/gem-global-products-release-2023.

For product inquiries, please contact: product@globalquakemodel.org

For media inquiries, please contact: communication@globalquakemodel.org

About GEM: The Global Earthquake Model Foundation (GEM) is a public-private partnership that provides state-of-the-art resources and tools for assessing seismic risk worldwide. GEM is dedicated to promoting resilient societies through improved understanding and management of earthquake risk.

About UNDRR: The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the United Nations' focal point for disaster risk reduction. UNDRR supports the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, working towards resilient communities and nations.