The Ethics of Early Warning Systems for Climate Change - Reducing Disaster: Early Warning Systems for Climate Change - page 273

Chapter 15
The Ethics of Early Warning Systems
for Climate Change
Kerry Bowman , Jeffrey Rice , and Alan Warner
Abstract Climate change is one of the greatest threats to human well-being, now,
in the early twenty-fi rst century. Although long-term solutions are required, increas-
ing climatic threats are now a clear and present danger. The purpose of early warn-
ing systems is to protect human life, infrastructure and the environment. Planning
for EWS has been fraught with arguments, delays, ideological division and fi nancial
concerns. The language of ethics in relation to social obligation for the prevention
of harm and suffering to both present and future populations makes for a strong and
persuasive argument for change which may help us overcome the current impasse.
This chapter explores ethical considerations in relation to obligations to current and
future generations, moral perspectives on the consequences of inactions and the
duty to vulnerable populations. The precautionary principle so often successfully
used in health care is examined and applied in relation to early warning systems.
An ethical lens is used to consider specifi c vulnerable populations focusing on small
island states, indigenous populations and agrarian societies.
Keywords Justice • Epidemiology • Vulnerability • Morals • Ethics • Precautionary
principle