Abstract

Early Warning Systems: Reframing the Discussion

by Philip Hall
28 September 2006

For decades, the international community has discussed and debated how coordinated, collaborative international action can reduce the loss of life, property damage, and social and economic disruption caused by natural disasters. The initial emphasis on the development of disaster response capabilities has shifted to the need to strengthen risk reduction and control mechanisms and policies, and most recently, to the design and implementation of better early warning systems. The emphasis on early warning systems has turned attention and funding to the current capabilities and developments in science and technology, and unfortunately, distracted us from the central issue of addressing the real needs of the communities and people at risk. The word "early" in Early Warning emphasises the need to improve and optimise not only the science and technology, but also the human capability throughout the entire range of interactions that support emergency management.

This paper argues from a background in mission critical systems, project management and business performance, that we cannot achieve the risk reduction and mitigation we seek until the emphasis is placed on the leadership role of emergency management in providing an effective early warning capability through the integration of the improvements in science and technology with traditional methods and an expanded commitment and involvement by all those at risk. Emergency managers must actively lead, engaging both the community and the strategic service providers (such as scientists, engineers, infrastructure providers, public officials, community emergency services, and the media) in the development of the early warning capability, and strengthen and sustain that capability through a continuous cycle of review, assessment and improvement activities with the community and the strategic service providers.

The international emphasis on early warning systems has shifted the focus from emergency management to science and technology, creating the impression that scientists and technologists should be leading the development of a global early warning capability. While there are important benefits to be gained from improving our detection and interpretation systems for natural hazards, these benefits cannot be fully realised unless these systems are integrated into the all-hazards emergency management capability. Adopting an all-hazards approach, in which local needs are clearly identified and provided for in national and regional policies, generates synergies and efficiencies that can – and must – be leveraged in international strategic planning for early warning capabilities.
 

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