December 15, 2023

LONDON — Nowadays, there is a whole accounting industry of major natural and human-made disasters feeding into such events as the COP28 UN climate change conference held in the United Arab Emirates, and the various actions announced, and sometimes implemented, by governments. The figures are frightening.

2023 was the worst year for natural disasters. The Philippines, Indonesia (which dealt with another volcanic eruption) and India were most affected. With its summer desert temperatures and devastating floods, Europe was not spared either. The United States registered some 25 major natural calamities — its highest number of any year — with a reported loss of more than 1 billion dollars. Many African regions remained gripped in the chronic droughts they have suffered for years.

Disasters, whether natural or human-made, trigger colossal costs — economic but, more importantly, in lives lost or affected forever. Saving lives and livelihoods is a top task for any government and society, and they should use all tools at their disposal. Information and early warning systems are such tools, and digital radio has risen on the list of options. It has done so by stressing not only its capacity to deliver information and entertainment but also its capability to offer comprehensive and complete emergency warning alerts.

Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) has been demonstrating and implementing some of its standard functions that deliver the Emergency Warning Functionality (EWF) in various countries, including Indonesia and India.

For some time now DRM experts have shown that “DRM Saves Lives.” DAB+, another open, ITU-endorsed digital audio broadcasting system, has also embraced this. Members of the powerful Digitalradio Deutschland are now adopting a holistic approach to developing international emergency warning standards using DAB+, with a possible delivery date in 2025.

Article cointinues:

https://www.redtech.pro/digital-radio-is-ready-to-save-lives/?