Climate change is putting society in check, and its effects are undeniable. Today, natural disasters and extreme weather events are increasingly frequent and severe, exposing millions of people to high-risk situations and causing devastating economic impacts. In fact, in the European Union alone, the cost of these catastrophes has amounted to €738 billion over the past 43 years, according to the European Environment Agency.
This trend, far from showing signs of reversal, points to a future where prevention and management will be essential. It’s not enough to understand what is happening now; we must also anticipate what might come next. In this context, many authorities and organizations are tackling these major challenges. For instance, the UME (Military Emergency Unit) is one of the most relevant units at both national and international levels. However, their actions can often be influenced and slowed down by factors such as political and administrative conflicts, as well as bureaucratic procedures.
For this reason, we must take a step forward and embrace technological tools that not only enhance our response capacity but also minimize damage while guiding, warning, advising, and even executing or deciding on orders. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR)—what we at XRF call “Extended Intelligence”—become our best allies in addressing large-scale phenomena.
The combination of AI and XR transforms complex data into clear, visual information, accessible to all actors involved in an emergency—from on-the-ground operatives to command-level decision-makers. This technology provides a critical advantage: the ability to make informed, swift, and secure decisions. In an environment where decisions must be made in minutes, having a simplified vision of the situation represents a vital edge over traditional methods, which are often overwhelmed by the scale and speed of disaster evolution.
A compelling example of their potential is the project we implemented during the Cumbre Vieja volcanic eruption in La Palma. To enhance the management of future emergencies, particularly wildfires, we developed an AI and XR platform in collaboration with the Forest Fire Command and Control Center. This platform enables coordinated responses by integrating drone and ground robot footage and consolidating all necessary data for better decision-making. Additionally, based on existing protocols and emergency plans, the platform suggests—and in some cases executes—the best-established responses for defined scenarios.
It’s important to note that while implementing these technologies requires initial investments in infrastructure—primarily data—and training, the long-term benefits are clear. These include, for example, reducing economic losses by predicting natural disasters with greater precision and making faster, better-informed decisions. Furthermore, the speed and accuracy with which data can be analyzed and real-time solutions presented enable unprecedented optimization, particularly in remote or hard-to-access areas.
In conclusion, we cannot continue to allow natural disasters to exact such a high toll on lives and economies when technological tools capable of mitigating their worst effects already exist. Adopting AI and XR must be a priority, as they are the key to facing the future with greater resilience and preparedness.
Gustavo Medina. Founder & CEO XRF. Published by El Economista on December 18th. Digital & IA Magazine
