INFORM is a framework developed by the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) that provides customizable, real-time information and early warning system to assist decision-makers in mitigating the adverse effects of disasters, climate variability, and other environmental threats. The INFORM framework is designed to streamline the early warning system of the humanitarian community by aggregating existing data on hazards, vulnerabilities, exposure, and response capabilities in a verifiable, transparent, and accessible format.
The INFORM process involves five main stages:
1. Hazard Assessment:identification and characterization of potential hazards, including natural (such as earthquakes, storms, floods and droughts) and man-made hazards (such as war, conflicts and terrorism).
1. Exposure Assessment: measuring the potential impact of hazards on human populations, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
1. Vulnerability Assessment: evaluating the susceptibility of populations, ecosystems, and infrastructure to hazards, considering physical, social, economic, and environmental factors.
1. Capacity Assessment:analyzing the capability of communities, institutions and the government to respond to hazards, including emergency management systems, communication networks, and financial resources.
1. Risk Calculation:quantification of the probability and magnitude of the hazard impact, based on hazard, exposure, vulnerability and capacity assessment.
The INFORM framework provides different tools and methodologies to assist with the implementation of each stage, including participatory processes, community-based risk assessments, geospatial analysis, and social network analysis. Ultimately, the INFORM framework aims to improve the understanding of risks and enable better-informed decisions, actions and investments to mitigate and prepare for disasters and climate change.
