KT edit: Prepare for disasters

The significance of having such systems cannot be underestimated, especially when climate change is wreaking havoc globally

We cannot prevent earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or for that matter any natural calamity, but we certainly can take measures to minimise the loss of life and damage caused by them through early warning systems. With extreme weather and natural disasters surging, experts at the World Meteorological Organization are calling for more efforts to forecast looming disasters and take early action to mitigate their impact. Did we need a report to realise the importance of having such systems in place? An effective earthquake warning system, for instance, has helped save lives in many countries. Japan is a perfect case in point. Even a 60 second warning prior to an earthquake can allow a driver to pull over to the side of the road or allow people in buildings to move away from windows or huddle under a desk. 
The significance of having such systems cannot be underestimated, especially when climate change is wreaking havoc globally and prompting severe changes in weather patterns. With the advances we have made in weather forecasting, we cannot say that no one saw natural disasters coming. Yet, global climate action and policy are dangling between extreme cynicism and radicalism of policymakers and activists. Limiting carbon emissions and keeping the global temperature from rising more than 1.5c above pre-industrial levels is crucial, but as we aim for such goals, countries more urgently must invest in early warning systems. Weather-related disasters have caused some two million deaths over the last five decades, and cost the world economy around $3.6 trillion in losses. We must ask ourselves what makes us do nothing in the face of danger?