Why is it in the news?

• United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released the ‘Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems 2023’ report.

Background

• The report highlights governmental efforts in developing disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies at both national and local levels.
• Emphasis is placed on aligning these strategies with the Sendai Framework, indicating a commitment to the global agenda for disaster risk reduction.
• The document underscores the integrative approach, promoting the alignment of disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change, and sustainable development efforts.
• It affirms the Sendai Framework’s principle that Target E serves as the foundational element for achieving other targets, leading to concrete implementation of disaster risk reduction measures.

Key Findings of the Report

• Launched at the COP27 meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2022, the Early Warnings For All Initiative (EW4All) is a groundbreaking effort aiming to protect everyone on Earth from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027. The ‘report, analysing data one year into EW4All, underscores its significance in providing up-to-date insights into the initiative’s progress.
• 101 countries now have multi-hazard early warning systems.
• Calls for US$ 3.1 billion investments over five years.
• Aligns with Paris Agreement, Sendai Framework, and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Significance of Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems

• Integral to disaster risk management, issuing warnings when disasters are imminent.
• Cost-effective tools saving lives, reducing economic losses, providing tenfold return on investment.
• Decreased deaths and reduced losses and damages from hazardous events.
• Comprehensive early warnings coverage linked to eight times lower disaster mortality.

Challenges

• Inadequate installed systems in half of the countries globally.
• Fewer countries with regulatory frameworks connecting early warnings to emergency plans.
• Climate-related hazards causing 15 times more deadly incidents in vulnerable regions.
• Most deaths from climate-related disasters occurring in the 46 poorest countries over the last 50 years.

Solutions

• Leveraging technology, the widespread access to mobile broadband (95%) and mobile phone ownership (75%) transforms mobile networks into potent communication channels, efficiently reaching individuals in at-risk areas.
• The Early Warnings for All initiative underscore the importance of coordination and collaboration, uniting the UN system, governments, civil society, and development partners from public and private sectors. This collaborative approach aims to address gaps and deliver inclusive, people-centred, end-to-end multi-hazard early warning systems, ensuring that no one is left behind.