Identifying scalable connectivity solutions to strengthen climate resilience and disaster response

In a world where climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, connectivity has become a critical enabler of resilience. Extreme weather events have increased fivefold over the past 50 years, disrupting infrastructure, services and communities. Floods, droughts and wildfires can cut power, isolate populations and place immediate pressure on emergency systems. In these moments, mobile networks enable early warnings, emergency communication, access to services and the first steps toward recovery.

As a provider of critical national infrastructure serving hundreds of millions of customers across Europe and Africa, Vodafone has recognised both a responsibility and an opportunity to ensure its networks remain resilient under increasing climate pressure.

Vodafone contracted Genesis Analytics to develop a report on the role of resilient network infrastructure and digital technologies in responding to climate-related disasters. The report draws on evidence from Vodafone markets on the frontline of climate impacts, including floods in Germany and South Africa, wildfires in Greece, and cyclones in Mozambique, to illustrate how connectivity supports people before, during and after crises. It focuses on the role of connectivity in maintaining essential services and strengthening resilience for communities, businesses and governments.

The project involved interviews with Vodafone stakeholders and external partners, including those involved in service delivery and emergency response. These insights were synthesised into a series of case studies capturing practical, real-world applications of connectivity in crisis contexts. The final output is a concise, external-facing report that highlights the role of telecommunications in enabling climate resilience and identifies key opportunities to scale impact.