UN Secretary-General's message on International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

Climate disasters are costing countries and economies like never before

Ever-increasing greenhouse gas emissions are fueling extreme weather events across the planet.

I saw firsthand the devastation wrought by the recent floods in Pakistan.

These escalating disasters cost lives and hundreds of billions of dollars in loss and damage.

Three times more people are displaced by climate disasters than by war.

Half of humanity is already in the danger zone.

The world is failing to invest in protecting the lives and livelihoods of those on the frontlines.

Those who have done the least to cause the climate crisis are paying the highest price.

Entire populations are being blindsided by cascading climate disasters with no means of prior warning.

People need adequate warning to prepare for extreme weather events.

That is why I am calling for universal early warning coverage within the next five years.

Early warning systems - and the ability to act on them - are proven to save lives.

This is clearly demonstrated by today's new report from the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction Office.

The report reveals that such services are sorely lacking for those who need them most.

At the COP27 climate conference in Egypt, I will launch an action plan to provide early warning systems for all within five years.

I urge all governments, international financial institutions and civil society to support it.

This new report is another reminder that real, concrete action on loss and damage must be a global priority.

Addressing loss and damage at COP27 will be an important litmus test for rebuilding trust between developed and developing countries.

On this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, I call on all countries to invest in early warning systems and support those that lack capacity.

Extreme weather events will happen.

But they need not be deadly disasters.