Mega Risks: Digital Transformation and Sustainability

Abstract

This chapter highlights the importance of digital technologies in managing mega risks—both the coronavirus pandemic and climate crisis. During the pandemic, the technology provided a lifeline to cities when physical contacts became minimal due to lockdown and social distancing measures. Besides rescuing city functions, they brought forward unparalleled and multiple benefits ranging from urban health surveillance and use of digital health to remote operations in the conduct of public administration, education, and shopping; organization of events, meetings, conferences, and webinars; delivering relief; and maintaining communication with the public. Regarding climate change, this chapter presents proven application of technology in monitoring, mitigation, adaptation, and early warning on climate-related hazards as well as disaster management. The innovative applications of technology enabled health surveillance, reduced transaction time, helped in making the system robust, and brought economic efficiency in physical space in offices, factories, healthcare facilities, public and civic buildings. A logical outcome of the above was a massive increase in internet-based services. Apart from a few glitches, the resilience shown in the collective sense was admirable. While showing the benefits of technology, this chapter also brings forward shortcomings and gaps in their usage, management, and governance that need mitigation. Among these were digital divide; infringement of privacy and personal autonomy; cyber insecurity; threat of misinformation; and environmental footprint from the use of digital technology.