Warning Systems – By Jeressa Jeremy
Warning Systems Boost Economy
Antigua and Barbuda could avoid losses of up to six percent of GDP each year through stronger early warning systems, Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service Dale Destin said.
He said early warning systems should be seen as part of economic planning, not only disaster preparedness.
“Development economists estimate that effective meteorological and early warning services can help countries avoid losses equivalent to roughly 3 to 6 percent of GDP annually,” Destin said, adding that this can be achieved through better preparation, disaster risk reduction, and improved decision making.
Destin also said that this could mean hundreds of millions of dollars in avoided losses for Antigua and Barbuda. He further stated what the return on such investments could mean for the country, attributing this to comprehensive studies.
“Globally, studies consistently show that every dollar invested in early warning systems return approximately $10 to $15 in socioeconomic benefits.”
He added that small island states can see even higher returns because of their exposure to climate risks.
“In small developing states where vulnerability is high and economies are concentrated in climate sensitive sectors, those returns can be even greater. When viewed through that lens, investing in meteorology and early warning systems become one of the highest yield public investment a nation can make,” Destin asserted.
The Early Warning for All initiative is part of a United Nations programme, where, according to the Met Office Director, the next phase will focus on strengthening national systems and improving how warnings reach people.
