Dr. Mirianna Budimir is senior climate and resilience expert at Practical Action, and early warning systems lead for the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance (ZCRA). Francisco Ianni is senior officer for climate resilience initiatives at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and heat hazards lead for the ZCRA. Carolina Pereira Marghidan is a technical advisor at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre.
In recent times, the frequency of extreme heat events has surged, breaking temperature records and often resulting in tragic consequences. The threats from these heatwaves are substantial, and with the ongoing climate crisis, they are only expected to escalate.
Extreme heat affects nearly every facet of daily life. Health services become overwhelmed, power infrastructures fail, and economic activities come to a standstill.
Research by Mercy Corps in Nepal’s Madesh region highlights the impact of heatwaves on education. A student described the harsh conditions: “The classrooms feel like furnaces,” where the oppressive heat and stifling air make concentration impossible.
Scientists predict global warming of more than 1.5C for 2025-2029 period
Today marks Heat Action Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about heat risks. While practical safety tips are shared, more extensive measures are necessary.
Identifying when and where extreme heat events will happen is crucial. Early warning systems offer significant potential to mitigate losses and suffering. However, why do they often fail to deliver?
Challenges in Heat Warning Systems
Many meteorological services provide heat warnings, but often based solely on maximum temperatures. This approach fails to account for prolonged heat periods, which pose greater threats.
The lack of standardization in heatwave warnings is a significant issue. Research by the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre reveals inconsistencies in how heat is monitored and forecasted worldwide. This is partly due to varying regional capacities, and the terminology for extreme heat differs widely.
Alarmingly, numerous nations, especially in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, lack any warning systems. Those most at risk are often the least protected, with lethal outcomes.
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Improving Heatwave Resilience
To address these gaps, scaling up effective early warning systems is essential. Governments and donors must invest in low-cost solutions, while global coordination can enhance these efforts.
Standardization is key, and progress is being made. The World Meteorological Organization’s new definition for heatwaves addresses their prolonged nature. In conjunction with the World Health Organization, updates to heatwave warning system guidelines are underway, with a new handbook expected soon.
Transparency from governments and organizations is vital. Sharing data, best practices, and collaborating can help low-income countries build capacity for effective warning systems.
Tailored Approaches for Communities
A coordinated approach to heatwave warnings is critical, yet a top-down method must be avoided. Community insights are invaluable, and alerts should be accessible to all, offering practical, informed guidance.
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Heat affects people differently, so warning systems must tailor messages to those most vulnerable, such as the elderly or outdoor workers. Local conditions, like access to cool spaces, should be considered, with guidance on mitigating the heat’s impact.
The Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance is employing a community-focused strategy to combat heatwaves, partnering with communities in Pakistan, Senegal, and the Philippines to enhance Heat Early Warning Systems.
Urgency in Addressing Heat Risks
The global response to heatwave risks must intensify, as these events grow more severe. Heat Action Day coincides with the Global Platform For Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva, focusing on Early Warning Systems. This event is a chance for global collaboration, striving for effective protection against climate hazards.
As temperatures rise, so too must our ambitions.
Original Story at www.climatechangenews.com