ABSTRACT

Early warning systems (EWS) illustrate how disaster risk reduction (DRR) encompasses climate change adaptation (CCA). To be effective, EWS should integrate four key elements, or sub-systems: knowledge of the risks; monitoring, analysis and forecasting of the hazards; communication or dissemination of alerts and warnings; and local capabilities to respond to the warnings received. Stakeholders emphasised that EWS effectiveness and risk assessments in the three regions depend upon communication of warnings from forecasters to end users and the accessibility of warnings, especially in Africa and the Caribbean. Ineffective coordination can be a significant barrier to effective EWS. Conflicting warning messages to stakeholders not only lead to misunderstandings, but can also result in the intended beneficiaries disengaging from EWS. By acknowledging that DRR including CCA must be rooted in sustainable development, early warning systems can be used to help build resilience, protecting livelihoods as well as lives.