The United Nations, on Monday, November 7th, unveiled a five-year plan to build a global early warning system for deadly extreme weather events amplified by climate change. The price tag – a relatively modest $3.1 billion, or less than 50 cents per person– is a small price to pay for proven methods that can save thousands, if not millions, of lives, said U.N. Chief Antonio Guterres at the COP27 Climate Summit in Egypt.
Even as climate-enhanced extreme weather is intensifying, half the world’s countries have lacked advanced early warning systems that can save lives. Countries with inadequate infrastructure will see, on average, eight times greater mortality from disasters than countries with concrete measures in place, according to the U.N. Proper early warning systems for heatwaves, floods, droughts, cyclones, or other disasters will allow for planning that minimizes adverse impacts.
“I have called for every person on Earth to be protected by early warning systems within five years, with the priority to support the most vulnerable first, “U.N. Chief Guterres said as world leaders gathered in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh for the 13-day talks.
