Can AI predict storms and natural disasters? Experts in AI, satellites and climate in Zagreb

Forecasting storms, floods and fires possible with the use of artificial intelligence

Today, artificial intelligence plays an increasingly important role in protecting people and the environment. Through the analysis of a large amount of satellite images, meteorological and other data, artificial intelligence can help in the earlier detection of forest fires, the prediction of storms, floods and droughts, the monitoring of the consequences of climate change, for example in agriculture, and help in a faster response in emergency situations.

The development and application of such technologies is one of the key topics of the ICERS 2026 international conference, which brings together experts in artificial intelligence, satellite Earth observation, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and climate change with the aim of developing solutions that can save lives and help protect the environment.

Artificial intelligence to save lives and preserve the environment

In the conversation on the occasion of the beginning of the conference, the president of the Organizational and Scientific Committee of ICERS, associate professor Ph.D. Mateo Gašparovi pointed out that modern geospatial technologies today play a key role in understanding and solving global challenges.

“Today, satellites collect huge amounts of data about our planet every day. Combined with artificial intelligence, they become one of the most important tools for understanding climate change, managing natural disasters and protecting life and the environment. This is precisely why ICERS gathers the world’s leading experts to jointly develop new solutions for the challenges of the future,” said Gašparovi.
Croatia became a leading partner of the European Space Agency

Cooperation between Croatia and the European Space Agency (ESA) and examples of successful joint projects will be presented at the conference. Gasparović also referred to the long-term cooperation of the Faculty of Geodesy with ESA, pointing out that the Faculty has become one of the leading Croatian partners of ESA in recent years.

“So far, the Faculty of Geodesy has successfully participated in more than ten scientific research projects funded by the European Space Agency. This cooperation confirms that Croatian scientists are equally participating in the development of the most modern technologies for Earth observation, artificial intelligence and geospatial systems, and are actively contributing to the European space program,” said Gašparovi.

More than 250 authors and almost 80 scientific papers from 35 countries of the world

During the three days of the conference, prominent scientists from the Netherlands, the United States of America, Austria and other countries will present the latest achievements in the application of satellite technologies, artificial intelligence and Earth observation.
The conference also confirms its international importance through a collection of papers that brings 76 peer-reviewed scientific papers by more than 250 authors from about 35 countries on five continents, providing an overview of the latest research and innovations in the field of environmental protection and natural resource management.

The conference can be followed online via the website https://alcar.geof.hr/icers-live/, while additional information about the program, lectures and participants is available on the official website of the conference https://alcar.geof.hr/icers-conference/.