Climate Information and Early Warning Systems (EWS) are integrated systems designed to monitor, predict, and communicate climate hazards in a timely and actionable manner. They rely on meteorological data, hydrological forecasts, and risk assessments to inform proactive decision-making. These are key in adapting to climate risks and impacts.
Why are Early Warning Systems important?
As climate-related risks to lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems continue to increase, Early Warning Systems (EWS) play a critical role in enabling timely, informed action that can reduce potential losses and save lives. They assist communities in anticipating, preparing and responding to extreme weather events, minimizing the risk of loss and damage. Their significance is reflected in international prominence in major systems of climate and disaster resilience.
This is highlighted in the Paris Agreement under UNFCCC in Article 7(c) that seeks the enhancement of scientific knowledge on climate, that is, research, systematic observation, and early warning systems in a way that is informative to climate services and good decision-making. This emphasizes EWS as a key element of meaningful adaptation practice.
In equal measure, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (20152030) points at early warning systems as a pillar of disaster preparedness. It requests the design and publication of scientifically grounded procedures and instruments to observe hazards, gauge risks, and distribute disaggregated information on the effects of disasters. The framework encourages the adoption of the multi-hazard early warning systems as one of the important techniques of building resilience and decreasing vulnerability at every level.
The global momentum is also complemented by the World Meteorological Organization Early Warnings for All (EW4All), which was launched in 2022. It is expected that EW4All will help to achieve universal coverage by 2027, according to the Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems 2023 report. The message that timely, accessible, and actionable warnings are a key to climate justice and sustainable development will be repeated. Simply put, efficient early warning systems are not alternative anymore they are a basis of community protection in the changing climate.
Why Are Early Warning Systems Important for Climate Action?
EWS reduce disaster impacts by enabling timely interventions, supporting climate adaptation, and guiding risk-informed investments. The UNFCCC’s Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage (Decision 2/CP.19) highlights EWS as a key tool to minimize climate-induced losses, especially in vulnerable regions. The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) underscores that improving climate information systems enhances resilience and preparedness in vulnerable regions such as Africa, where extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity.
How do Early Warning Systems work?
According to the World Meteorological Organization, An early warning system is made up of four elements:
- Disaster risk knowledge to identify climate hazards and vulnerabilities
- Detection, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting using meteorological and climate models to detect extreme events
- Warning dissemination and communication, to share timely, clear and actionable alerts, and,
- Preparedness and response capabilities. This is to ensure that communities and relevant institutions act effectively.
Source: WMO
Why Are Early Warning Systems Important for Climate Action?
EWS reduce disaster impacts by enabling timely interventions, supporting climate adaptation, and guiding risk-informed investments. The UNFCCC’s Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage (Decision 2/CP.19) highlights EWS as a key tool to minimize climate-induced losses, especially in vulnerable regions. The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) underscores that improving climate information systems enhances resilience and preparedness in vulnerable regions such as Africa, where extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity.
What are the benefits of Early Warning Systems?
The benefits of Early warning systems include but not limited to:
- Saves lives and property: Timely alerts prevent casualties from extreme weather events.
- Enhances economic resilience: EWS help farmers, businesses, and governments anticipate and mitigate losses.
- Strengthens climate adaptation: Provides data-driven insights for policy and infrastructure planning.
- Supports food and water security: Forecasting droughts and floods enables better resource management.
The Global Commission on Adaptation’s 2019 Report found that for every $1 invested in EWS, $6 is saved in disaster response and recovery costs, proving their economic and social value in adaptation.
What Are the Challenges and Gaps in Implementing Early Warning Systems?
Implementing effective early warning systems (EWS) faces several challenges and gaps that include; Limited financial resources often constrain developing countries from investing in essential EWS infrastructure. In addition, inadequate meteorological networks and technical barriers reduce the accuracy and reliability of forecasts. Weak coordination between government agencies, scientific institutions, and local communities further hampers timely and effective responses. Lastly, many vulnerable populations still lack access to early warnings in local languages or through reliable communication channels, undermining the reach and impact of these systems.
How can we ensure Early Warning Systems are inclusive and accessible?
- Strengthening last-mile communication: Using radio, SMS, and community networks for timely alerts.
- Incorporating indigenous knowledge: Merging traditional forecasting methods with modern science
- Enhancing gender and disability inclusivity: Ensuring alerts are accessible to all populations, including those with disabilities.
- Investing in capacity building: Training local communities on interpreting warnings and taking early action.
The WMO’s Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Initiative supports projects that enhance EWS accessibility in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), ensuring early warnings reach marginalized groups. So far 36 countries have benefitted from the CREWS initiatives, receiving a total of $134 Million. This has been successfully adopted by some countries such as Seychelles through the Seychelles Meteorological Authority.
The role of African Group of Negotiators (AGN) in advancing Climate Information and Early Warning Systems
The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) actively pushes for increased climate finance and technology transfer to improve EWS across Africa. Under the (Decision 1/CMA.3) of the UNFCCC’s Global Goal on Adaptation, AGN advocates for stronger regional forecasting centres, such as the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD) and IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC).
AGN also calls for enhanced loss and damage funding, ensuring vulnerable African nations receive resources to implement robust EWS and climate information services under the Santiago Network and the Loss and Damage Fund (COP28 Decision).