An advanced global early warning system for emergencies

By Ashwini Sakharkar 14 Nov, 2024

Collected at: https://www.techexplorist.com/advanced-global-early-warning-system-emergencies/92642/

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in partnership with the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to create an advanced global early warning and response system that will empower humanitarian actors to effectively prepare for emergencies.

“As the world faces an increasing number of complex humanitarian emergencies – driven by conflict, violence, natural hazards, climate change, and other forces – the need for robust early warning systems to prepare and plan for rapid, effective humanitarian responses has never been more critical,” said Kelly T. Clements, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees.

By harnessing cutting-edge AI technology coupled with Earth observation data, this new system is set to transform the way humanitarian actors, local authorities, and communities strengthen their preparedness and responses. It aims to identify and assess risks that could lead to forced displacement, ensuring timely alerts and actions before an emergency strikes.

“LIST is pleased to enter this strategic collaboration with the UN Refugee Agency to develop an early warning system for emergency management. Our expertise in natural disaster management and our research outputs estimating the impact of climatic variables on human mobility and infrastructures will help provide timely and actionable insights to better anticipate and respond to critical situations,” declared Lucien Hoffmann, LIST Science Director.

The initiative is supported by generous funding from Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. It aims to directly assist displaced individuals by enabling responders to predict humanitarian needs, streamline supply procurement and resource allocation, reduce response times, and prevent overlapping humanitarian actions.

The project launched comprises an initial 15-month rollout of the system in select pilot countries, focusing on early warning systems and displacement forecasting, along with robust emergency preparedness measures.

The lessons learned from this initial rollout will inform the development of a comprehensive global system in the next phase. This initiative aligns perfectly with the UN Secretary-General’s prevention agenda and the ambitious Early Warnings for All campaign, which strives to ensure that every person on the planet is shielded from the dangers posed by hazardous weather, water, and climate events through effective early warning systems by the end of 2027. Together, we can make a significant impact in protecting vulnerable communities and saving lives.