Global early warning systems for natural hazards: systematic and people-centred

Royal Society Discussion Meeting on Extreme Natural Hazards, London, 26-27 October 2005 - Published in Royal Society of London Transactions Series A, vol. 364, Issue 1845, pp.2167-2182

This paper gives an international perspective, focusing on the ISDR's strategy to facilitate holistic approaches to warning and informing as a primary component in the risk reduction process. It discusses the role of scientific hazard assessment and technical approaches and the need for a new systems approach. Thereafter discussion of integration with social vulnerability in order that a well rounded assessment of risk may be gained and an appropriate warning and informing system be implemented. It contains useful discussion of how the generic system proposed by the ISDR's Platform for Early Warning may be adapted in order that it may cater for the needs of all countries and all hazards.