Action Line C7 E-Environment: Weather, Climate and Environmental risk management: every life counts, every digit helps

Background

Weather , climate and environmental extreme  events are increasingly becoming the most threatening issues to people and societies  around the world  (World Economic Forum, 2019) with  increased  threat to people lives, economies and the natural environment. The recent devastating disasters ( WMO statement on the State of the Global Climate, 2019)  demonstrate the  need for strengthening collaboration  for enhancing the efficiency of  Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems. The session will inform on the current progress made in Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS), Disaster Risk reduction and the use of  ICT for gathering, analyzing and communicating information on extreme and high-impact weather, climate and environmental events.  It will offer an opportunity for the participants to learn, discuss and understand how MHEWS are contributing to reduce vulnerability, as well as the role that innovations in information technology can play in ensuring timely delivery of information, to all at the last mile.  

Expected outcomes

1. Raise awareness on the impact of weather, climate and environmental related disasters and the efforts being made to reduce the associated loss of lives and economic damage. This will take place in connection with  international agendas such as the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 
2. Identify gaps and challenges that hamper the efficiency of early warning systems. 
3. Recommend new technological solutions, standards and guidelines for managing risks associated with weather, climate and environmental hazardous and extreme events.
4. Identify opportunities for collaboration and partnerships. 

Programme

• Reaching the last mile with forecast-based early action by Ms Kara Devonna SIAHAAN Senior Officer, Forecast-based Financing – focal point for Disaster Risk Financing, Risk and Vulnerability Unit - Disaster & Crisis Department, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
• Holistic services in steps with advances in sciences  and application of ICT technologies in mitigating  and managing hurricane and typhoon related disasters by  Dr Taoyong Peng,  Chief of Tropical Cyclone Programme Division, World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)
• Disruptive technologies and their use in disaster risk reduction and management by Ms. Maritza Delgado, Programme Officer, Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States & Emergency Telecommunications Division, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
• Information requirements for  hazardous weather , water and climate events within a national Multi-Hazard Early Warning System by  Dr James Douris, Scientific Officer, WMO Multi-Hazards Early Warning System Division, World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)

Session Organiser:  Mr Omar Baddour, World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)