Effective warning systems have been proven to save lives and are among the most cost-effective methods of climate adaptation and early actions for reducing disaster deaths and economic losses. In 2002, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the “Early Warnings for All” initiative, urging international communities to prioritize the development and implementation of robust warning systems as a fundamental component of climate resilience strategies. Responding to this call, the World Meteorological Organization’s World Weather Research Program (WWRP) has initiated the Urban Prediction Project in 2024 to enhance urban-scale prediction and warning systems. By improving the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts and warnings, the project seeks to reduce urban exposure to weather-related hazards, representing a crucial step towards creating sustainable cities.
This session will explore advancements and challenges in urban multi-hazard prediction and warning systems and provide a forum to share insights on the latest research, technologies, and best practices, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration and innovative approaches. We seek contributions that: 1) advance the urban multi-hazard (heat, air quality, flooding, public health, energy supply) prediction capabilities and warning systems up to seasonal timescale, 2) enhance urban observation network and data assimilation technologies; 3) address challenges in implementing and applying advanced warning systems; 4) effectively engage stakeholders, governments, policymakers, and communities to improve city resilience, and 5) share best practice to apply warning systems to develop meaningful adaptation strategies in diverse urban systems. Join us to discuss how to transform urban resilience through cutting-edge prediction and warning technologies.
Urban multi-hazard prediction and warning systems: development and applications