Introduction - Reducing Disaster: Early Warning Systems for Climate Change - page 1

Chapter 1
Introduction
Zinta Zommers and Ashbindu Singh
“Normal has changed… The normal is extreme.”
(Attributed to U.S. National Weather Service acting director
Laura Furgione)
Abstract This chapter provides an introduction to this topic, briefl y outlining each
chapter. It discusses the challenges posed by climate-related hazards, highlights
critical components or early warning systems, mentions examples of current early
warning systems, and describes emerging areas of development. Suggestions on
ways to improve warning communication, and encourage early action, are pro-
vided. The potential utility of broader risk management approaches and fl exible
and forward decision-making are also mentioned. This chapter concludes that
great progress has been made in early warning systems. But sustained efforts are
needed to refi ne the political, social, and fi nancial mechanisms that support warn-
ing systems. Continued improvement is all the more urgent given an ethical respon-
sibility to issue warnings that prevent loss of life and property and help build
adaptive capacity.