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

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.