UN Report Shows Progress in Early Warning Systems, Urges More Action

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – A new report from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) highlights significant progress in early warning systems for extreme weather and climate change impacts. However, it also emphasizes the need for further action as half of the countries globally still lack adequate multi-hazard early warning systems.

According to World Meteorological Organization, the report, titled “2023 Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems,” was launched at COP28 in Dubai by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. It marks one year into the Early Warnings for All Initiative, aiming for global coverage by 2027. The report reveals that 101 countries now have an early warning system, a six-country increase from last year and double the coverage since 2015.

Guterres praised the progress, saying, “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.” He called for increased support in 2024 to achieve this goal.

New funding announcements at the event include contributions from Sweden, Denmark, and France, totaling over 18 million Euros. This funding will accelerate progress and build on the foundations laid since the initiative’s launch.

Notable improvements include national action plans in the Maldives, Laos, and Ethiopia, strengthened communications in Benin, and improved flood warnings in Fiji. Over 400 million people in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) now have access to better climate predictions and warnings.

The report highlights the need for more decisive action, particularly in countries with significant gaps in meteorological observations. It emphasizes the importance of risk governance and community-based early warning systems.

A new Early Warnings for All Dashboard, also launched at the event, offers a comprehensive view of the current status of early warning systems, aiming to channel investments to close existing gaps. The dashboard serves as a centralized data portal for the initiative, enhancing coordination and accountability.

Ms. Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, and WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas both stressed the urgency of enhancing early warning systems, considering the 80% increase in people affected by disasters since 2015.

The report underscores the vital role of early warning systems as a key element of climate adaptation and disaster preparedness. It highlights the importance of ensuring these systems are accessible to hard-to-reach communities and based on local needs.

The EW4All Initiative, co-led by WMO and UNDRR, was launched in November 2022 at COP27 and calls for worldwide early warning system coverage by 2027. It leverages existing funding mechanisms and multilateral funds, including the Green Climate Fund and development banks.