New Handbook Launched to Strengthen Early Warning Systems in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Regions

The scaling up of MHEWS is vital for saving lives and livelihoods, especially in areas where disaster risks are compounded by social instability.

In a major step forward for climate action, countries around the globe are now benefiting from the Handbook on Early Warning Systems and Early Action in Fragile, Conflict, and Violent (FCV) Contexts. This crucial resource aims to bolster the implementation of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) in regions facing extreme vulnerabilities due to fragility, conflict, and climate change.

The scaling up of MHEWS is vital for saving lives and livelihoods, especially in areas where disaster risks are compounded by social instability. The Handbook, developed by the Centre of Excellence for Climate and Disaster Resilience (CoE) in collaboration with partners, is hosted by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

This initiative aligns with the global Early Warnings for All campaign, which aims to ensure that every individual on Earth is protected by an early warning system by 2027. The initiative is particularly critical for countries classified as the most climate-vulnerable, with 19 out of the 25 most at-risk states facing challenges due to fragility, conflict, and violence.

Addressing Gaps in Implementation

Despite significant global progress in establishing MHEWS, substantial gaps remain. As of March 2024, only 55% of countries reported having MHEWS in place, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced action in vulnerable regions. Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are especially lagging, with only 44% of LDCs and 38% of SIDS reporting such systems. Additionally, 23 countries fall into both the FCV and LDC categories, while 10 are classified as both FCV and SIDS. These regions face unique challenges, making them particularly susceptible to climate hazards.

To effectively address these challenges, strengthened collaboration among governments, international agencies, and local communities is essential. This collective effort will ensure vulnerable populations have the knowledge and tools necessary to mitigate risks and safeguard their livelihoods.

Supporting Comprehensive Approaches to Resilience

The new Handbook complements existing resources, such as the Navigating Fragility, Conflict and Violence to Strengthen Community Resilience practitioner handbook, developed in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the German Red Cross. This collaborative approach is supported by the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.

Furthermore, the CoE and the Handbook are instrumental in supporting the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative. This initiative aims to drive a comprehensive approach to early warning systems in FCV contexts, promoting increased investment and operational efficiency.

Enhancing Preparedness and Response Mechanisms

The WMO and UNDRR are working closely with countries and regional partners to foster investment in early warning systems in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. The Handbook will be introduced at various regional Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) platforms and Early Warnings for All stakeholder forums throughout 2024 and 2025. These gatherings will serve as essential venues for stakeholders to learn how to integrate the Handbook's guidance into national disaster risk management strategies.

The rollout of this Handbook marks a significant advancement in tackling the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, conflict, and fragility. By improving early warning systems, countries can enhance their disaster preparedness, better protect vulnerable communities, and build long-term resilience in the face of an increasingly unpredictable climate.