Green Climate Fund Invests Over $100 Million to Scale Up Early Warning Systems in Vulnerable Countries
New York – The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has announced an unprecedented grant of US$103.2 million to enhance life-saving early warning systems in seven countries grappling with severe climate impacts. Spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the five-year project aims to reinforce multi-hazard early warning systems in Antigua and Barbuda, Cambodia, Chad, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, and Somalia. This initiative will provide critical protection to more than 26 million people.
Multimillion-Dollar Investment For Climate Resilience
The project’s overall budget stands at $114.6 million, augmented by $11.3 million in co-financing from private and governmental partners. These additional contributors include the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and various national governments.
Addressing Climate Vulnerabilities Head-On
As climate change intensifies, the most vulnerable nations are disproportionately affected. In Ethiopia and Somalia, prolonged droughts are exacerbating food and water shortages. Fiji and Antigua and Barbuda face escalating storm surges and rising sea levels. Meanwhile, communities in Chad, Cambodia, and Ecuador are increasingly exposed to extreme weather events and environmental degradation.
Key Drivers Of The Early Warning Systems
The initiative will enhance risk assessment, improve forecasting capabilities, and ensure critical early warnings reach isolated and at-risk communities. The project focuses on several strategies to strengthen these warning systems, including upgrading weather observation networks, integrating indigenous knowledge, and bolstering community-based preparedness.
Pioneering Global Climate Action
This investment underscores the GCF’s commitment to the global Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, launched by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2022. The goal is to safeguard every individual on Earth with early warning systems by 2027. It also supports the resilience-building priorities established in the participating countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plans, and Sustainable Development Goals.
“Scaling up early warning systems isn’t just about technology – it’s about climate justice and ensuring no one is left behind in the face of climate change.”
— Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support
Empowering Vulnerable Communities
In addition to technological advancements, the project emphasizes community engagement and empowerment. Local stakeholders are involved in developing tailored, sustainable early warning solutions. This participatory approach ensures that warnings are effectively communicated and understood in the context of each community’s unique needs.
Partnership For Climate Solutions
The project leverages the expertise and resources of multiple agencies. The UNDP, WMO, UNDRR, ITU, and IFRC are working alongside national governments to implement the initiative. Their collaboration ensures comprehensive support for each country’s early warning system.
Scalable Solutions For Climate Resilience
By strengthening early warning systems, the Advancing Early Warnings for All project sets a scalable model for other nations. As climate risks increase, this initiative highlights the importance of proactive disaster preparedness and adaptation strategies.
The Green Climate Fund’s Continuing Commitment
The GCF’s investment exemplifies its dedication to supporting vulnerable communities. By fostering low-emission, climate-resilient development pathways, the fund contributes to the 2015 Paris Agreement’s objective of keeping average global temperature rise well below 2°C.
“By working with national governments, UNDP, WMO, UNDRR, ITU, IFRC and other partners, we will accelerate and scale up EW4All so that everyone on Earth is protected by an early warning system by 2027. It is not just forecasting disasters—it is empowering people to act, protect livelihoods, and save lives.”
— Henry Gonzalez, GCF Chief Investment Officer
Further Information
For more information about the project, contact Kate Jean Smith, Communications Specialist for Climate Change Adaptation at the UNDP, via email at [email protected] or Andrew McElroy, Media Senior Specialist at the Green Climate Fund, at [email protected].
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports over 170 countries and territories in their efforts to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to crises and shocks. UNDP’s Climate Promise portfolio, involving more than 140 countries and territories, directly benefits approximately 37 million people.
About the Green Climate Fund
Established to support the 2015 Paris Agreement, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the world’s largest dedicated climate fund. GCF operates under the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and has a portfolio of 286 projects worth USD 15.9 billion (includes co-financing), delivering transformative climate action in 133 developing countries.
Take Action Today
Your support is essential for climate resilience and protecting vulnerable communities. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about the latest developments in climate action. Share this article on social media to raise awareness and inspire action.