1 The impacts of hazardous and extreme weather events necessitate a wide range of responses, from improved adaptation planning to stronger safety nets – each tailored to the local context. However, early warning systems are a strategy that has consistently proven effective. EWS form an integrated value chain system that enables individuals, communities, governments, businesses and others to take timely action, reducing disaster risks in advance of hazardous events. National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) provide essential services to national EWS through the provision of hazard monitoring, forecasting and prediction, disaster risk assessment, communication, and preparedness activities. National multi-hazard EWS (MHEWS) can issue warnings for various hazards, improving efficiency and consistency through coordinated, multidisciplinary systems and capacities.8 EWS have a significant impact. Analysis of disaster- related data reveals that countries with only “limited to moderate” MHEWS coverage have a mortality ratio almost six times higher than countries with “substantial to comprehensive” coverage.9 Similarly, countries with limited to moderate MHEWS coverage have nearly five times more disaster-affected people than countries with substantial to comprehensive coverage.10 According to a study by the Global Centre on Adaptation, EWS can reduce an event’s damage by 30% just by giving a 24-hour notice.111.1 Early warning systems as effective adaptation tools Context and purpose Early warning is an effective tool for dealing with the impacts of extreme weather. But it is underprovided. In recent years, the world has increasingly felt the impacts of hazardous weather events. These include (but are not limited to) floods, droughts, wildfires, heatwaves, cold waves, tornadoes and tropical cyclones, which can all result in death, damage to critical infrastructure and economic loss.2 The increasing frequency, severity and unpredictability of these events have been attributed to anthropogenic climate change.3 According to the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) analysis of the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) data, between 1970 and 2021, nearly 12,000 disasters, over 2 million fatalities and $4.3 trillion in economic losses were attributed to weather, climate and water extremes.4 The reported economic impacts of extreme weather events have grown eightfold over the last 50 years5,6 and pose a significant threat to businesses and economies worldwide. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024 listed extreme weather as the most likely global risk to trigger a major crisis in the next decade.7 7 Catalysing Business Engagement in Early Warning Systems

Catalysing Business Engagement in Early Warning Systems 2025