New York, 26 September 2023 (TDI): At the UN Climate Ambition Summit in New York, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) along with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) unveiled a collaborative initiative to establish Early Warning Systems in climate-vulnerable countries.
Endorsed by the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, the Early Warnings for All initiative (EW4All) is a pioneering endeavor.
It is committed to safeguarding global populations from dangerous weather, water, or climate occurrences through the implementation of life-saving Early Warning Systems by 2027.
An initial injection of US$1.3 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) will catalyze a broader initiative, targeting $157 million from the GCF and partner governments to advance universal early warning systems.
In this announcement, UNDP and its partners call upon additional donors to join this endeavor, extending its reach beyond the initial group of countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Cambodia, Chad, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, and Somalia.
UN Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on Climate Action and Just Transition, Selwin Hart, emphasized the critical importance of Early Warning Systems.
He stated, “Early Warning Systems are effective and proven tools to save lives and protect the livelihoods of those on the frontlines of the climate crisis.”
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), extreme weather, climate, and water-related events, caused 11,778 reported disasters between 1970 and 2021, with just over 2 million deaths and $4.3 trillion in economic losses.
Early Warning Systems are crucial in mitigating these impacts and protecting lives and economies in the face of climate change.
UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner said, “The power of science and technology to predict disasters is yet another demonstration of humanity’s ability to confront climate change these vital early warning tools remain out of reach for too many.
By bridging the gaps, this new initiative will help to advance the UN Secretary-General’s bold vision whereby everyone, everywhere can benefit from Early Warning Systems by 2027.
We invite partners and donors to join us in mobilizing the support needed to make this ambitious initiative a reality.”
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