Technology, Inequality, and the New World Order of Disasters

A few years ago, we witnessed how an emerging virus in humans spread across the globe, devastating families, governments, and any member of our species in its path. There were as many opinions as controversies, and while we never saw an unequivocal verdict, it is clear that the cost was markedly different for each country.

A few years later, as if searching for an answer to the Fermi paradox, the planet’s temperature has risen enough that we now see daily natural disasters defying all statistics. In both cases, the mammalian mind of our imperfect humanity makes us believe in the illusion of gradual change, in linear thinking, while the reality of climate change moves on its own trajectory. Just as we never managed to grasp the exponential growth of the virus, systemic global change escapes our intuition—our painfully local experience is insufficient for an era like the Anthropocene, where human activity, what we eat each day, is the primary force of planetary change.

Just like during the pandemic, the effects of extreme climate events sweep away whatever is in their path, regardless of race, creed, or color. In the Lord’s vineyard, as in Armero, last year’s results are not encouraging: the DANA in Spain, where just a few months ago we saw stones inscribed with “if you see me, weep,” has exposed an emergency response system that rivals any so-called banana republic. During this event, Valencia recorded 300 mm in 24 hours, an increase of 66.1% over its annual average precipitation of 454 mm.

In the United States, the Bible Belt now seems like a landing platform for hurricanes. In 2024, Hurricane Helene severely impacted North Carolina and Georgia, with torrential rains of up to 800 mm in 72 hours in North Carolina (a 66.7% increase over its annual average of 1,200 mm) and 600 mm in 48 hours in Georgia (a 47.2% increase over its annual average of 1,270 mm). Likewise, Florida was hit by Hurricane Milton, which brought 700 mm of rain in 48 hours, 53.8% above its annual average of 1,300 mm. These hurricanes, beyond the destructive stories typical of such low-pressure systems, have wrought havoc mostly due to the volume of rain they carried. No surprises there—we know a warmer planet holds more moisture in the air.

Meanwhile, in other corners of the planet, meteorologists have observed in real time—almost as we watched the virus evolve during the pandemic—phenomena that once seemed science fiction. So far this year, Singapore has experienced floods with 500 mm in 24 hours, representing 21.4% of its annual precipitation of 2,340 mm. In Seoul, torrential rains left 400 mm in 24 hours, a 29.2% increase over its annual average of 1,370 mm. Shanghai was no exception; Typhoon In-Fa brought 600 mm in 72 hours, 50% of its annual average of 1,200 mm.

The DANA in Valencia and Typhoon Lekima in Taiwan, though both extremely intense and destructive, reveal a contrast in their impact on human life. In Valencia, the event tragically resulted in at least 155 deaths, exposing the vulnerability of emergency systems that failed to contain the disaster. In Taiwan, despite the typhoon bringing torrential rains and devastating winds with 1,000 mm of rainfall in 48 hours (a 41.7% increase over its annual average of 2,400 mm), the impact in terms of loss of life was considerably less, with two deaths reported and several injured. This contrast highlights how, even though the intensity of these natural phenomena is devastating in both cases, differences in preparation, infrastructure, and response capacity significantly influence the human toll. Not only the magnitude of the event, but also the ability to adapt and protect determines whether lives are lost or saved.

These events are neither isolated nor sporadic; analyzing historical data on tropical cyclones and hurricanes globally reveals an increase in both the frequency and intensity of these phenomena. This rise not only poses a greater threat to coastal populations but also challenges disaster response and mitigation systems.

The difference in human and economic impact of these events between countries is notable. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused an estimated $188 billion in damage and claimed more than 2,000 lives in the United States, a country with high levels of technological development. However, contrast this with Cyclone Nargis in 2008, which left more than 138,000 dead in Myanmar, a country with limited resources and less access to advanced forecasting and response technologies.

This contrast underscores the critical importance of technology in disaster management. Countries that invest in advanced meteorological monitoring systems, resilient infrastructure, and data-driven evacuation plans have a significantly greater capacity to protect their citizens and minimize economic losses. Conversely, nations that do not integrate technology into decision-making processes face far more devastating consequences.

The technology gap thus becomes a dividing line in this new world order. It is not just about having resources, but about how they are used to implement science- and data-based solutions. Artificial intelligence, big data, and early warning systems are now indispensable tools. For example, countries like Japan and Taiwan have developed alert systems and earthquake-resistant buildings that have saved countless lives during extreme natural events.

Moreover, adapting to climate change requires informed and rapid decisions—possible only through efficient use of technology. Long-term climate predictions enable governments to plan and adapt infrastructure, agriculture, and water management. However, this capacity is far from uniform around the world.

Data also show a rise in the economic costs associated with these natural disasters. In 2017, the Atlantic hurricane season was the costliest ever recorded, with damages exceeding $282 billion. Hurricanes like Harvey, Irma, and Maria devastated entire regions, but response and recovery varied significantly depending on the technological infrastructure and preparedness of each affected country or region.

The trend indicates that countries not adopting modern technologies in their emergency management systems will face greater human and economic losses. Technology not only enables better prediction and tracking of these phenomena, but also facilitates effective communication of alerts and efficient coordination of rescue and humanitarian aid efforts.

In this context, the new world order is defined by the capacity for adaptation and response based on technology. Nations that invest in scientific research, technological development, and education are better positioned to face current and future challenges. Those that do not risk falling behind, suffering greater impacts from events that—though natural—can be mitigated with proper planning and response.

In conclusion, the divide between countries that use technology for decision-making and those that do not is increasingly evident and critical. Survival and progress in the 21st century depend largely on the ability to integrate technological solutions at all levels of society. It is imperative that global leaders recognize this reality and act accordingly, promoting international collaboration and knowledge transfer to close the technology gap and build a more resilient and equitable future.