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Efforts to shield lives from the ravages of extreme weather and the impacts of climate change are making progress, yet there’s still a significant journey ahead. Currently, half of the world’s nations lack comprehensive multi-hazard early warning systems.
According to a fresh study by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Africa has made strides in improving early warning systems, but it still trails behind the global average. Less than 50% of the Least Developed Countries and a mere 40% of small island developing states are equipped with multi-hazard early warning systems. The Arab States, in particular, show a deficiency in risk knowledge essential for these systems.
Multi-hazard early warning systems
The 2023 Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems report, which evaluates the current data a year after the launch of the Early Warnings for All Initiative, aims for universal coverage by 2027. The initiative’s progress was showcased at COP28 by UN Secretary-General António Guterres during a high-level gathering of ministers and key players. The report discloses that 101 nations have reported the presence of an early warning system, marking an increase of six countries since last year and a twofold rise in coverage since 2015.
“What we are delivering under the Early Warnings for All initiative can protect and save vulnerable communities from the worst impacts. This is an ambitious goal – but it is also achievable,” said António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
The UN Secretary-General has urged for a significant increase in support for countries in 2024, emphasizing the need for unprecedented collaboration and cooperation. “To turn this vision into reality, we require a united effort, with everyone working together more closely than ever before,” he stated.
During the high-level event, new financial commitments were announced, including a contribution of 6 million Euros from Denmark, just over 5 million Euros from Sweden, and an additional 8 million Euros from France.
This fresh influx of funds is set to accelerate progress and build upon the groundwork established since the initiative’s inception. It will enhance the joint efforts of all major Multilateral Development Banks and the Green Climate Fund in amplifying investments for early warning systems. The current focus is on expanding support across more countries and securing the necessary finances to achieve the Early Warnings for All goal within the next four years.
Progress
The Maldives, Laos, and Ethiopia have established dedicated national action plans and coordination structures. Benin has improved communication channels to reach the most vulnerable communities. Fiji has enhanced its flash flood warning system, now safeguarding nearly 1 million residents, as highlighted by Mr. Guterres.
More than 400 million individuals in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) now benefit from improved forecasts and warnings for floods, droughts, heatwaves, and tropical cyclones. Initiatives like the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) have enabled countries such as Papua New Guinea and Burkina Faso to provide drought seasonal predictions for small-scale farmers, many of whom are women.
France has pledged to double its previous commitment to CREWS, promising an annual contribution of 8 million Euros for the coming years. This pledge complements funding from Canada, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco, and the United Kingdom, marking the largest increase in annual contributions since CREWS’ inception.
Shortfall in essential weather and climate data
The Systematic Observation Financing Facility (SOFF) is rapidly addressing the shortfall in essential weather and climate data. Sixty countries are currently receiving support, with over 30 million dollars in investments approved just this week.
“All major multilateral development banks, the global climate funds and the key financing mechanisms have coalesced around the Early Warnings for All initiative. These commitments are essential and invaluable,” said Mr Guterres.
The report by the WMO and UNDRR has highlighted a surge in political commitment and leadership, with 30 nations spearheading the advancement of early warnings. Additionally, a regional plan in Africa is set to enhance the implementation of these crucial systems.
“The progress is encouraging but we must not be complacent. With an 80% increase in the number of people affected by disasters since 2015 and half the world still lacking access to early warnings, it is imperative to take action now to save lives, livelihoods, and assets,” said Ms. Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR.
“We are making progress but we need to do more. Many countries in Africa, the Pacific and South America still have significant gaps in attaining the minimum number of meteorological observations required to drive forecasting. Early warnings are the low-hanging fruit of climate adaptation. They are not a luxury but a must,” said WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas.
Risk governance
The WMO-UNDRR report advocates for investments in risk governance as a solid foundation for effective early warning systems. Nations that have integrated comprehensive strategies, combining climate adaptation and disaster resilience, have achieved broader coverage of these systems.
Moreover, the report calls for increased efforts to ensure that early warning systems are accessible to all communities, particularly those that are hard to reach, and that they cater to local needs. It highlights the importance of bolstering anticipatory actions to enhance preparedness. Notably, community preparedness levels have risen, with 250 million people being evacuated annually worldwide since 2015 before disasters occur.
A newly introduced Early Warnings for All Dashboard, launched today, offers a comprehensive view of the current state of early warning systems. This tool is designed to guide investment decisions aimed at bridging the gap in early warning coverage.
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