Catalysing Business Engagement in Early Warning Systems 2025

Foreword Even as businesses seek to cut carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change, there is an increasing need to adapt to the new normal and build resilience. One essential area to explore is early warning systems (EWS) – an ecosystem of sensors, analytical tools, communications chains and plans that can support swift, efficient and robust responses to weather events. Notably, EWS are growing in importance as climate change intensifies weather events in both frequency and severity. Outside of specialist firms that support national hydrometeorological capabilities, EWS have traditionally been viewed as exclusively governmental domains. However, there are now increasing opportunities for businesses to explore EWS to optimize their operations or supply chains for climate and weather. They can potentially harness advancements in sensing, computational and communications technology, along with the availability of data, to inform decision-making. This white paper seeks to illuminate how businesses can use EWS to strengthen their climate adaptation and resilience strategies, working in concert with government and other stakeholders to  prepare and protect communities during extreme weather events.Gim Huay Neo Managing Director, Managing Board, Head of Centre for Nature and Climate, World Economic Forum Catalysing Business Engagement in Early Warning Systems 4