Integrated Research in Advancing Urban Multi-Hazard Prediction and Warning Systems

Effective warning systems have consistently demonstrated their capacity to save lives and are among the most cost-efficient methods of climate adaptation. They enable early actions by allowing communities to prepare for and respond to various hazards, thereby significantly reducing disaster-related deaths and economic losses. UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched the “Early Warnings for All” initiative in 2022. This initiative calls on the international community to prioritize the development and implementation of early warning systems as a cornerstone of climate resilience strategies. The goal is ambitious yet essential: to ensure that every individual on the planet is protected by early warning systems within the next five years. World Meteorological Organization is tasked to co-lead this UN effort.

Urban population, now more than half of the world’s population, are increasingly exposed to climate-related hazards such as thermal stress, air pollution, heavy rainfall, flooding, storm surges, and compound hazards. Urban areas are especially vulnerable due to their high population densities, complex infrastructures, and socio-economic factors. In 2024, the WMO World Weather Research Program (WWRP) launched the Urban Prediction Project. This project is designed to improve urban-scale prediction and warning systems, thereby reducing exposure to weather-related risks in cities. This initiative represents a critical step toward building more resilient and sustainable urban environments. In this presentation, we will discuss the scientific and societal challenges of developing ultra-high-resolution urban hazard prediction and warning systems, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approach to integrating physical and social sciences and AI technology to enhance urban multi-hazard prediction and warning systems.