World Meteorological Organization (WMO)—Concerted International Efforts for Advancing Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems

Abstract

Recent international agreements such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement have all recognized the importance of developing and operationalising multi-hazard early warning systems that integrate the specificities of single-hazard early warning systems in a holistic, systematic and coordinated manner to promote synergies and maximize efficiency. While much progress has been made in recent years towards the advancement of knowledge and practice related to early warning systems worldwide, the lack of multi-disciplinary and transboundary cooperation among and across communities of scientists, decision-makers and practitioners continues to be a key challenge for the successful establishment and operation of these systems. To address this gap, major international and national organizations have collaborated to establish the International Network for Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (IN-MHEWS), with the aim of facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity development for multi-hazard early warning systems around the globe. This paper presents an overview of advances and challenges in promoting a multi-hazard and systematic approach to early warning, as well as the aim, objectives and expected contributions of this newly established Network. KeywordsMulti-hazard early warning systems Á Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction 2015-2030 Á Multi-stakeholder partnerships Á Knowledge sharing Á

Use of meteorological data in biosecurity

“…However, despite concerted international efforts to improve multi-hazard EWSs and cross-sector responses, there is still a general lack of multi-disciplinary and transboundary cooperation which limits the effectiveness of outbreak responses [ 105 , 106 ].…”

“…Alien species are ‘species, subspecies, or lower taxon introduced outside their natural range (past or present) and dispersal potential (i.e. outside the range it occupies naturally or could not occupy without direct or indirect introduction or care by humans) and including any part…that might survive and subsequently reproduce' [ 106 ].…”

“…Pathogens are ‘microbes or microorganisms (virus, bacterium, prion, or fungus) that causes disease in its animal or plant host' [ 106 ].…”

Communication Structures and Decision Making Cues and Criteria to Support Effective Drought Warning in Central Malawi

“…The MHEWS framework (WMO, 2018) has been developed by the WMO from the Sendai framework and provides guidelines on the development of an effective people-centered approach to communication and dissemination of early warning information. Aligned with the MHEWS, emerging approaches-such as impact-based forecasting and the use of adapted and local communication channels and services-have helped transform hazard-only forecast data into useful information for those at risk by incorporating peoples' perception of risks and needs and improving local understanding of a hazard's potential impact (Sivakumar, 2006;Luther et al, 2017;Taylor et al, 2018;WMO, 2018). Recent examples from Kenya and Zimbabwe-such as the development of local media (e.g., a local community radio), using local languages in communication and extension services, and integrating local knowledge-show that such approaches improve the contextualization of information, increase the sense of ownership in the messages delivered, and enhance trust, and thus uptake, of warning information (Sivakumar, 2006;Pulwarty and Sivakumar, 2014;Andersson et al, 2019).…”

ANYCaRE: a role-playing game to investigate crisis decision-making and communication challenges in weather-related hazards

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