Multi-Hazard Warning Systems in the Age of Climate Change
Between 1970 and 2019 weather, climate, and water hazards accounted for 50% of all disasters, 45% of all deaths, and 74% of all reported economic loss. While natural disasters have caused catastrophic damage, the number of deaths stemming from such incidents has decreased from over 50,000 in the 1970’s to less than 20,000 in the 2010’s. This can largely be attributed to improvements made in multi-hazard early warning systems, which has equipped authorities to better respond to natural threats and warn citizens of potential dangers. While the death toll from natural disasters has decreased over the last 50 years, the number of individuals exposed to such disasters has increased.
With climate change exacerbating the frequency and severity of these sorts of events, it is important that the use of such early warning systems is expanded to all areas of the world and that their functionality is improved to combat the rising challenges of climate change dangers. Read on below to learn about the current efforts addressing this issue.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Assessment
The WMO is looking to increase their cooperation and coordination with their member countries and other partners in order to prepare for risks associated with weather, climate, and water extremes. However, out of their 193 member countries, only half have multi-hazard early warning systems. There are also major gaps in observing networks in areas that are extremely susceptible to natural weather disasters. The WMO and the United Nations are advocating for greater investment in comprehensive disaster risk management to prepare for multiple disaster scenarios. These organizations are working to improve public education, knowledge, and access to information to ensure that communities are properly prepared and that early action is possible during a climate disaster.
What is an Effective Multi-Hazard Warning System?
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is the most recent international accord on disaster risk reduction. The Sendai Framework was designed to work in tandem with the Paris Climate Accord and the UN’s Sustainable Development goals to reduce disaster risk and loss of life. The agreement lays out four main priorities that are considered essential to an effective multi-hazard warning system.
Understanding disaster risk: this requires a comprehensive assessment of potential hazards, vulnerabilities, and capacities of local services. With a well rounded knowledge of the causes and effects of these events, communities can better mitigate and prevent superfluous damage and loss.
Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk: by encouraging cooperation at all levels of governance, countries will be better prepared for response, recovery, and rehabilitation.
Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience: both public and private investment is necessary to enhance structural and non-structural measures to protect health, the economy, and the environment.
Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction: this involves integrating disaster relief reduction into development measures in order to create a more resilient society.
It’s important to understand the growing necessity of a multi-hazard warning system as a mitigation measure due to the rise of climate change. Without proper environmental action, natural disasters will continue to worsen, our systems will have to rapidly adapt, and livelihoods will be at risk.
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