Digital transformation in climate change management: tools for managing droughts, floods, and frost in South America: a systematic review

Arana-Ruedas D.P.R.; Pino-Vargas E.; del Águila-Ríos S.; Ramos-Fernández L. · Frontiers in Climate (2026) · DOI: 10.3389/fclim.2026.1765251

Resumen

Introduction – Climate change poses profound challenges to sustainable development by intensifying the frequency, duration, and severity of climate-related events such as droughts, floods, and frosts. Across South America, communities continue to face structural limitations in accessing timely and locally relevant climate information despite advances in climate services and digital technologies. Methods – This study systematically examines how digital transformation supports climate change management in South America through a PRISMA-guided systematic review of 34 peer-reviewed studies and an assessment of 18 national digital climate platforms. Results – The analysis reveals substantial disparities in institutional capacity, data infrastructure, and the operational maturity of climate information systems. While countries such as Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina show more consolidated frameworks, others maintain fragmented platforms with limited interoperability and restricted functionality. Most digital tools provide highly technical information without offering adaptation-oriented guidance or localized decision support. Discussion – The findings highlight the need for more integrated, user-centered, and context-sensitive climate services that bridge the gap between scientific outputs and operational action. Strengthening digital infrastructures, promoting regional cooperation, and expanding co-produced climate services are critical to improving climate resilience and supporting adaptation planning across South America. Copyright

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina; Universidad Continental; Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga; Universidad Nacional Jorge Basadre Grohmann