SPOTLIGHT
R S
O P
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Observations, monitoring, analysis, forecasting
Disaster risk knowledge
Multi-hazard early warning systems PEOPLE-CENTRED
L
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Warning dissemination and communication
Preparedness and response capabilities
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Sources: World Meteorological Organization and Global Commission on Adaptation
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FACTFILE: EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS
In order to help us plan for and respond to natural disasters, I call upon UN agencies, other governments and development banks to invest in early warning systems and put them in place as quickly as possible – to show that we care for the people we serve and prevent further loss of life and property. From the perspective of Malawi, we would welcome this being done as a regional bloc, either via the Southern African Development Community or the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa because Malawi is a member of both organizations. OFQ: Taking that thought further, do you think climate change could be an opportunity for deeper coordination and integration across Africa? IM: Everyone is impacted by the reality of climate change. It does not care about race, religion or socio-economic background. We are members of a global village. The issues that our nation may experience are likely to spread to our neighbors as well. It is crucial that we cooperate and invest in the mitigation of climate change. At the moment, we are working on an interconnection project between Malawi and Mozambique. We’re also looking at projects between Malawi and
A Multi-Hazard Early Warning System is an integrated system which allows people to know that hazardous weather or climate events are on their way, and informs how governments, communities and individuals can act to minimize impacts. End-to-end systems include risk knowledge, observation, communication, and response. They are a proven, effective and feasible climate adaptation measure that saves lives and provides a tenfold return on investment.
Tanzania, as well as between Malawi and Zambia. If another cyclone as big as Ana strikes Malawi, it will likely also affect Mozambique and vice versa. We must cooperate to resolve this issue in a long- term manner. OFQ: Beyond early warning systems and regional cooperation, what other priorities should Africa and Malawi follow? IM: On the one hand, most African countries have not invested enough in the energy sector. We must face up to that fact. But on the other hand, the bureaucracy put in place by multilateral banks means that it takes too long to access funds. These bottlenecks should be removed. We should also look to the future with
regards to interconnections. When we or a neighboring country has a surplus of energy, it will help us to trade in power. Everyone should have access to electricity by 2030, according to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 7. The clock is ticking, so we need to move fast. To achieve SDG 7, we need regional integration. We need to move together. The interconnections project is one step towards achieving that dream.
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