Scholarly record
ETHICAL ASPECTS OF THE APPLICATION OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
Abstract
The aim of the paper is to analyze the key ethical aspects of the application of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in disaster risk reduction (DRR), identifying the challenges and proposing a framework for their responsible solving. GenAI is a transformative technology in DRR, which offers new possibilities for predicting, preventing and responding to natural disasters. GenAI can create detailed simulations for training, analyze large data sets in real time, generate personalized warnings and optimize logistics. Despite the significant potential, its implementation is accompanied by a set of ethical challenges that require careful consideration. The GenAI inherent bias in algorithms can lead to discriminatory forecasting models that underestimate risks for marginalized communities or redirect resources to more privileged areas. The GenAI model complexity makes them difficult to interpret, creating problems with responsibility. GenAI can create convincing fake images, videos and text messages that can be used to manipulate public opinion during natural disasters, creating additional threats to public safety. GenAI operations require the processing of huge volumes of sensitive data, which raises privacy issues and possible misuse. Thus, a comprehensive ethical framework and governance approaches are needed to address these challenges.
Publication Impact Profile
Publication details
References12
Dhamani N., Engler M., Introduction to Generative AI, Manning, 2024.
Bahree A., Generative AI in action, Manning, 2024.
Saengtabtim K., et al., Harnessing generative AI for enhanced disaster management: a systematic review, Big Earth Data, Taylor and Francis, pp 1�25, 2025.
Gevaert C.M., Carman M., Rosman B., Georgiadou Y., Soden R., Fairness and accountability of AI in disaster risk management: Opportunities and challenges, Patterns, vol. 2/issue 11, pp 1-7, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.patter.2021.100363
Meegle, AI Ethics and disaster response, 24.08.2025, https://www.meegle.com/en_us/topics/ai-ethics/ai-ethics-and-disaster-response.
Chun K.P., et al, Transforming disaster risk reduction with AI and big data: Legal and interdisciplinary perspectives, Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, vol. 15/issue 2, DOI: 10.1002/widm.70011.
World Health Organization, Ethics and governance of artificial intelligence for health: WHO guidance, 2021.
Visave J., AI in Emergency Management: Ethical Considerations and Challenges, Journal of Emergency Management and Disaster Communications, vol. 5, no. 1, pp 165-183, 2024. DOI: 10.1142/s268998092450009x
Comes T., AI for crisis decisions. Ethics and Information Technology, vol. 26, article number 12, 2024. DOI: 10.1007/s10676-024-09750-0
Sustainability Directory, What are the ethical considerations of using AI in Disaster risk reduction, 19.04.2025, https://sustainability-directory.com/question/what-are-the-ethical-considerations-of-using-ai-in-disaster-risk-reduction/
Gilga C., et al, Legal and ethical considerations for demand-driven data collection and AI-based analysis in flood response, International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, vol. 122, article number 105441, 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2025.105441
Rajaonaha B., Zio E., Rethinking priorities in AI ethics guidelines in today�s era of humanity under threats, hal-03585261, 2022, https://hal.science/hal-03585261v1/document DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/4ghst
View or Download full articleAccess options
SWS access login
Login as SWS Scientific CommitteeLogin as SWS Scientific PartnerLogin as SWS AuthorAuthors and approved SWS contributors will read and export their own linked papers after identity matching by SWS profile, email and SGEM GlobalID.
For librarian assistance: [email protected]
Purchase Instant Access
- Article can be downloaded after successful payment.
- Article may be used according to SWS library access terms.
- Article cannot be redistributed.

