Homework Responses Wk 6

Hello Class,

            After reviewing this week’s reading, the technology that I believe would impact effectiveness is blockchain.  Blockchain is a new technology that is in the early stages of being developed to be applied to emergency response efforts.  What is blockchain?  “Blockchain is a distributed and immutable digital ledger, secured by cryptography, which can be programmed to record a series of transactions” (Torres, N., 2018).  Another advantage to blockchain, is that it is almost impossible to change or hack the system.  This is vital if used to track the distribution of aid supplies to a certain area.  If there are multiple different agencies trying to support the disaster relief, there may be areas that receive too many supplies and other the do not receive enough.  Another advantage to using blockchain, is the transparency of the information, it is permeant record that can be accessed by everyone and shows were and whom provided supplies.

            This technology is just in its infancy stage, but there are several agencies that are testing blockchain and the advantage that it can provide.  For example, “UNICEF is testing blockchain technology to track the status of international grants in a secure way” (2018).  This is important, because it allows agencies the ability to track supplies, (money or physical items) are going to the right people and corruption is reduced or eliminated.

Chris

 

 

Reference

Torres, N. (2018). Three Emerging Technologies To improve Emergency Management. Retrieved from https://datasmart.ash.harvard.edu/news/article/three-emerging-technologies-improve-emergency-management#:~:text=AI%2C%20IoT%20and%20blockchain%20are,and%20efficiency%20of%20emergency%20staff.