Early warnings save lives – but only if they reach the people who need them most. Discover how context-specific, multi-hazard systems protect lives when they are timely, inclusive, and locally owned.
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The Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative represents an important step towards building global resilience to climate-related disasters. Launched in 2022 by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, the initiative is a call to action – to make life-saving early warning systems accessible to all people on Earth by 2027.
By 2024, progress was evident, with 108 countries – 55% of all nations – reporting some capacity for early warning systems, more than double the 52 countries that reported such systems in 2015 (UNDRR, 2024). However, significant challenges remain, particularly in some of the least developed countries and small island developing states, where access to adequate and inclusive early warning systems is still limited. In Africa, for example, 60% of people are still not covered by early warning systems (UNDRR).
So, what does it mean to provide multi-hazard early warnings for all? And how do we, as part of the disaster risk reduction community, help deliver systems that offer lasting protection for those at greatest risk in a changing climate?
The Early Warnings for All initiative is built on four pillars to support countries in building and operating effective and inclusive multi-hazard early warning systems. These pillars provide a structured foundation for turning the ambition of ‘early warnings for all’ into practical, coordinated action:
We believe that context-specific solutions can play a vital role in improving early warning coverage for diverse or isolated communities. Strengthening early warning systems often requires bridging the gap between those who produce hazard data and those who use it to make decisions. This includes supporting hydromet agencies to interpret scientific forecasts, while also working with humanitarian organisations to translate those data into timely and practical early action. Equally important is understanding how early warnings are communicated and received by communities on the ground. Through this combined focus on science, operations and local communication, it is possible to co-create solutions that are accessible, inclusive and manageable – contributing to sustainable, locally owned systems.
Training and capacity building go hand in hand with multi-hazard early warnings. Embedding skills into systems, institutions and communities allows those closest to the risk to operate and manage the systems themselves. It also builds the capacity to adapt, maintain and respond as risks evolve, strengthening long-term resilience.
In Sierra Leone, our work has focused on strengthening National hydromet services and early warning capabilities through a combination of institutional training and community engagement. We supported national agencies to engage with local governments and at-risk communities to better understand the information channels, languages and decision-making processes people use during extreme weather events – helping to inform more effective and inclusive communication strategies.
Our analytical tools and hydromet specialists are enabling timely and context-specific early actions. In Bangladesh’s Jamuna River basin, we are supporting humanitarians design, develop and implement trigger mechanisms for Anticipatory Action. With GiveDirectly, we have operationalised flood forecasts from Google to trigger anticipatory cash transfers, enabling people to take proactive measures before flooding occurs. Since 2022, we have provided flood impact forecasts based on the Global Flood Awareness System and our Flood Foresight technology, supporting Start Network’s StartReady programme. Training is strengthening partners’ understanding of hydromet data and confidence in the triggers, whilst co-developing incremental improvements as science and data availability improves.
Beyond our own work, there are strong global examples that reinforce the value of community-led approaches. In the Philippines, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), together with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, worked with local communities along the Binahaan River to develop a simple, colour-coded flag system to communicate flood risk. The system was co-designed with residents and supported by community training – resulting in a practical solution that could be understood by anyone, regardless of age, literacy or access to technology.
These examples show how collaboration, local knowledge and practical design choices can turn early warning systems into sustainable tools within disaster-resilient communities.
To be effective, early warning systems, especially the ‘last mile’ of getting alerts to those who need them, must be sensitive to the realities of people’s lives. For example, in areas where mobile phone ownership is low, or where electricity is unreliable, radio broadcasts, sirens, community meetings and simple visual alerts may be far more effective than purely digital solutions.
The most inclusive systems are those that are co-developed with communities from the start. This also means recognising and addressing the needs of different vulnerable groups, genders, ages, income levels, languages and abilities, building trust and fostering participation. These systems are more likely to be understood, trusted and maintained – delivering greater protection for all.
Every country faces unique challenges in preparing for, adapting to and recovering from climate risks. The goal of Early Warnings for All is one that we share: protecting lives and livelihoods through timely, trusted and inclusive early warnings.
At JBA, we are proud to be part of this effort – working in partnership to deliver early warning systems that leave no one behind.
Ready to discuss your next project? Contact our team today.
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