Global Leaders Rally for Urgent Action on Early Warning Systems Amidst Climate Crisis

Global Leaders Rally for Urgent Action on Early Warning Systems Amidst Climate Crisis

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

A high-stakes event at COP29 highlighted the urgent need for a collective global response to the mounting challenges posed by climate change, as leaders noted the critical importance of the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. 

While progress is being made to ensure protection against hazardous weather events, disparities remain, particularly for the world’s most vulnerable nations.

In a passionate address, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres set the tone for the event, emphasizing the extreme conditions affecting communities worldwide. “This is on track to be the hottest year in the history books, pushing the limits of human endurance,” Guterres stated. He pointed out the alarming rise in global temperatures, accompanied by record rainfall and catastrophic events like hurricanes and wildfires. “In this era of climate catastrophe, early warning systems and protection from extreme heat are not luxuries. They are necessities,” he added, highlighting that such systems yield nearly a ten-fold return on investment.

COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev echoed Guterres’ call for intensified action, stating, “Investment in early warnings has the potential to avert losses of up to US $16 billion per year.” He urged countries to bolster their early warning infrastructures to protect lives and livelihoods.

The event also spotlighted the grave reality faced by nations like Ethiopia, where President Taye Atske Selassie recounted the toll of prolonged droughts and recent flooding. “Our commitment to strengthening investment in hydrometeorological capacity and early warnings is crucial,” he remarked, reflecting on the lives lost and communities displaced by climate-induced disasters.

In a similar vein, Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu shared insights on the island nation’s efforts to enhance forecasting systems. “We are dedicated to implementing impact-based forecasting systems to ensure timely alerts reach everyone at the right time and in the right place,” he stated, highlighting the unique challenges faced by island nations in a warming world.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also contributed to the discussions, recounting the devastating wildfires that have wreaked havoc in Greece. His sentiments were echoed by several other ministers at the event, who emphasized the need for a unified front in combatting the climate crisis.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo called for a “whole-of-society” approach to tackle climate change, urging for wider participation in the early warnings initiative. “It’s about empowering everyone to champion Early Warning Systems as a core priority,” she said, stressing the pivotal role of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in delivering timely and accurate warnings to vulnerable populations.

As COP29 continues, the message is clear: the time for action on early warning systems is now. While strides are being made, the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable countries remains a pressing concern. 

The call for increased funding, technology transfer, and collaborative solutions is echoed across the globe, emphasizing that preparation and protection against climate hazards is no longer just an option—it is a necessity for survival.