CASE STUDY 2 GEO’s Global Water Sustainability Initiative (GEOGLOWS) Articulating the value proposition GEOGLOWS, powered by the European Centre for Medium- Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ensemble prediction system, addresses the pressing need for accurate and timely flood risk data in the insurance and reinsurance industries. By delivering reliable 15-day ensemble forecasts alongside 80 years of historical streamflow data for rivers worldwide, GEOGLOWS enables proactive flood risk management. This innovative, open-access tool supports insurers by forecasting river discharge for live event responses, allowing for quick estimation of flooding scope, prioritization of recovery efforts, and effective loss mitigation. GEOGLOWS’ global scale, high-resolution data, and flexible forecasting capabilities make it a vital resource for generating flood maps and optimizing coverage and pricing decisions. Bolstering strategic alignment For the insurance sector, GEOGLOWS enhances operational efficiency and supports risk mitigation strategies while contributing to broader environmental sustainability goals. By filling gaps left by traditional flood monitoring tools, particularly during the critical early stages of flood events, GEOGLOWS positions insurers as leaders in leveraging advanced technology for climate resilience. The integration of satellite water altimetry data from the National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), in-situ measurements and AI algorithms since 2022 has further enhanced the accuracy of global streamflow forecasts, adapting the service for local applications. This continuous innovation underscores the insurance sector’s commitment to improving disaster response and fostering sustainable practices. Charting the execution strategy GEOGLOWS has established strategic partnerships with key organizations, such as the National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) and other satellite data providers, to ensure the continuous provision of high-resolution river flow data across diverse geographies. These collaborations have enabled the integration of satellite water altimetry data into GEOGLOWS’ forecasting models, while partnerships with local hydrological agencies have facilitated the incorporation of in-situ measurements, enhancing forecast accuracy. The implementation has followed a phased approach, starting with pilot projects in selected regions to validate performance and refine integration processes. These pilots have involved close collaboration with local stakeholders, including insurance companies, government agencies and community organizations, to ensure the tool meets regional needs. Training programmes and workshops have been conducted to build user capacity, ensuring effective utilization of GEOGLOWS’ data and insights. Following successful pilots, the system has been scaled up to additional regions, with continuous monitoring and evaluation to assess impact and identify areas for improvement. By combining high- resolution hydrologic modelling with accessible open data, GEOGLOWS has empowered insurers to respond effectively to disasters, improve risk assessments and keep insurance policies relevant and responsive to environmental changes. The Executive’s Playbook on Earth Observation: Strategic Insights for a Changing Planet 18

The Executive%E2%80%99s Playbook on Earth Observation