Suitable with International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction The numbers in the report are even worse for developing countries on the front lines of climate change, the report states. Less than half of least developed countries (LDCs) and only one third of Small Island developing countries (SIDS) have multi-hazard early warning systems.
Report, Global status of multi-hazard early warning systems – GOALbased on new data showing that countries with limited early warning coverage have mortality rates in disasters that are eight times higher than countries with critical to comprehensive coverage.
Fatal failure when investing
“The world is failing to invest in protecting the lives and livelihoods of those on the front lines. Those who have done the least to cause the climate crisis are paying the highest price,” said the UN Secretary General António Guterresin a video message marking the date.
The report found that LDCs, SIDS, and countries in Africa, require the most investment to increase early warning coverage and protect themselves against disasters.
Mami Mizutori, UN Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of Mission, said: “As this report is being prepared, Pakistan is dealing with the worst climate disaster on record, with nearly 1,700 lives lost. UNDRR.
“Despite this carnage, the death toll would have been much higher without the early warning system.”
Gaps ‘significant’
“Disturbingly, this report highlights significant gaps in protection given that only half of the countries globally have a Multihazard Early Warning System,” she added. “This is a situation that urgently needs to be changed, to save lives, livelihoods and properties.”
Peter Taalas, WMO The Secretary-General said the number of recorded disasters has increased fivefold, “in part due to anthropogenic climate change and more extreme weather. This trend will continue. Early warning systems are a proven and effective climate change measure that saves lives and money.”
“But we can and must do better. We need to ensure that early warnings reach the most vulnerable and that they are translated into early action,” he added. “This is why WMO is leading a United Nations initiative on Early Warnings for All for the next 5 years.”
UNDRR / Chris Huby
Less than half of LDCs and only one-third of Isle developing countries have multi-risk early warning systems.
Humanity ‘in danger zone’: Guterres
Secretary General António Guterres warned in message for International Day, that climate disasters are hurting countries and economies “more than ever”
He explains that increasing natural disasters are costing lives and hundreds of billions of dollars, and recounts how he witnessed first-hand, the devastation caused by recent floods after he visit Pakistan.
“Three times more people displaced by climate disasters than war”, the UN chief said, adding that “half of humanity is already in the danger zone”.
The world is “failing to invest in protecting the lives and livelihoods of those on the front lines,” he said.
At the same time, Mr. Guterres continued, those who caused the least climate crisis are paying the highest price.
Full warning saves lives
“The entire population is being eclipsed by climate disasters without any prior warning,” the UN chief said, adding that “everyone needs to be fully alerted.” enough to prepare for extreme weather events.”
For this reason, he reiterated his call for universal early warning within the next five years.
“Early warning systems – and the ability to act on them – are proven lifesaving measures.”
Test litmus paper COP27
At the United Nations climate conference (COP27) in Egypt next month, the Secretary-General said he would launch an action plan to make the five-year deadline a reality, calling for support from all “governments, international financial institutions and civil society”.
He said addressing loss and damage at COP27 would be “an important test” to rebuild trust between developed and developing countries.
“About this International Day for Disaster Risk ReductionI call on all countries to invest in early warning systems and support the incompetent,” concluded the UN chief.
