At COP27, the Climate Movement Finally Promotes Early Warning Systems

We need to do more to ensure everyone is covered by Early Warning Systems

However, there are currently gaps in coverage of EWS all around the world, with a third of people not covered by Early Warning Systems. The World Meteorological Organisation has assessed that 49% of Less Developed Countries do not have fit for purpose Early Warning Systems.

At COP27, several funding mechanisms and initiatives were discussed to implement effective EWS required to reduce these losses. In particular, the new Early Warning for All Initiative (EW4A) plan was launched. This means WMO and UNDRR will be investing $3.1 billion over 5 years to reach everyone with Early Warning Systems.

Future initiatives need to be people-centred

We need to make sure that this new and other existing funding is spent in the most appropriate, impactful way, prioritising the needs of the most vulnerable, empowering them to take action before disasters occur.

We need to focus on implementation that builds on existing capacities and knowledge to continue improving and addressing the biggest gaps, with a people-centred, inclusive approach that builds strong partnerships between government, science, civil society, research, and supports communities at risk to be involved in EWS design from the beginning.

Increased investments in improved monitoring, forecasting and national systems are needed and should be welcomed. But we need equal investment in systems, processes, structures and resources that provide people facing disasters with the accessible and understandable information they need to survive and thrive.