UN Chief Calls for Climate Justice for Pacific Nations Amid Rising Sea Levels

Mozambique, situated on the southeast African coast, is regularly impacted by tropical cyclones, with over 60% of its population living in vulnerable low-lying coastal areas.

At a ministerial ceremony in Maputo, Mozambique's President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi launched a national roadmap to achieve Early Warnings for All by 2027. This initiative aims to enhance the country’s capacity to predict and respond to natural disasters, which frequently devastate Mozambique due to floods, cyclones, and droughts.

Mozambique, situated on the southeast African coast, is regularly impacted by tropical cyclones, with over 60% of its population living in vulnerable low-lying coastal areas. The worsening effects of climate change have exacerbated these challenges, intensifying the need for effective disaster risk management.

President Nyusi, who serves as an African Union Champion on Disaster Risk Management, emphasized the importance of advance notice in reducing human and economic losses. He commended the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and Mozambique’s National Meteorological and Hydrological Service for their role in improving early warning systems. He highlighted the country's progress, noting that despite the devastation caused by recent cyclones, early warnings have saved lives.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo praised Mozambique’s strides in climate adaptation and resilience, particularly through the Early Warnings for All initiative. This initiative, led by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, is being integrated into Mozambique's national development plan with the support of various national and international organizations.

A significant boost to Mozambique’s early warning capabilities comes from a $7.8 million investment by the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF). This funding will help upgrade weather stations to meet international standards, enhancing the country’s ability to monitor and respond to extreme weather events.

Additionally, the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative has played a vital role in Mozambique's resilience-building efforts, particularly in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai in 2019. The CREWS initiative, in collaboration with the World Bank, has provided critical support for developing integrated early warning systems in Mozambique and the broader southern African region.

This comprehensive effort underscores Mozambique's commitment to strengthening its disaster preparedness and resilience, aiming to protect lives, livelihoods, and the future of its people.