Recent natural disasters have consistently made headlines, drawing attention to the devastating impact of these events on communities and ecosystems. Whether it’s the collapse of dams in Derna, Libya, due to heavy rains causing catastrophic floods or the unexpected eruption of the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai volcano in Tonga triggering a Pacific-wide tsunami and communication shutdown, these occurrences highlight the need for accurate forecasting, timely warnings, and prepared responses.
António Guterres, the UN secretary general, unveiled the Early Warnings for All initiative in March 2022, committing $3.1 billion over five years to protect everyone from hazardous weather, water, or climate events by 2027. However, the success of this initiative hinges on support and implementation beyond the UN’s scope.
The global scientific community must collaborate to identify and address structural gaps in early-warning systems. All stakeholders—national and local governments, international organizations, researchers, the private sector, operational teams, community workers, and the public—play pivotal roles. By acknowledging and combining their efforts, resources can be enhanced, expanding hazard coverage and improving more efficient and inclusive warning systems.