Sustainability Language

Governance, Ethics & Risk

Early warning system

An integrated system of hazard monitoring, forecasting, risk assessment and communication that enables timely action before disasters strike.

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Definition

An early warning system is defined by UNDRR as an integrated system of hazard monitoring, forecasting and prediction, disaster risk assessment, communication and preparedness activities that enables individuals, communities, governments and businesses to take timely action to reduce disaster risk in advance of hazardous events. Effective systems are people-centred and span four elements: risk knowledge, monitoring and forecasting, warning dissemination, and preparedness and response capability.

References

Overview

What it means

The connective tissue between forecasting a hazard and people actually moving out of harm's way — a warning that doesn't reach or move people is not a system.

How it is used

Early warning systems are embedded in Sendai Framework Target G (multi-hazard EWS access by 2030) and the Paris Agreement (Article 7. 7c), and are the focus of the UN Early Warnings for All initiative.

Why it matters

Early warning is among the most cost-effective adaptation measures known; coverage gaps persist precisely in the most vulnerable countries.

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