The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have launched the Global Observatory for Early Warning System (EWS) Investments to improve tracking and coordination of funding for disaster preparedness.
This initiative aims to support the UN’s goal of global EWS coverage by 2027, announced by Secretary-General António Guterres in 2022. Early warning systems are critical in saving lives during extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to the climate crisis. However, fragmented financing has limited their global reach.
Launched in December 2024, the Observatory provides an overview of funding flows from nine key financing institutions. It identifies gaps, avoids duplication, and ensures investments reach the most vulnerable communities, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Land-Locked Developing Countries (LLDCs).
Key findings show that 54% of national EWS funding is concentrated in just five countries. Of all financing, 75% is provided through loans or credits, with only 25% offered as grants.
The platform also uses AI-assisted analysis to better track and visualize funding investments across regions and sectors. It aims to increase collaboration with international finance institutions and enhance decision-making for future investments.
By improving transparency and coordination, the Observatory will play a vital role in supporting comprehensive global EWS coverage, ensuring communities worldwide are better prepared for climate-related disasters.