PreventionWeb spoke to Miguel Telo de Arriaga, Head of the Division of Literacy, Health and Well-being at Portugal’s Directorate-General of Health to learn more about the country’s approach to risk communication, and how this is applied to reduce risks.
The experiences and concerns of diverse marginalised groups remind us that technological advancements should align with a commitment to equity and representation.
Improving availability and access to early warning information is one of the seven global targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and is also a key focus of many agencies, including the World Meteorological Organization and USAID.
As population exposure to extreme heat increases, government agencies are developing heat health warning systems to support the public in taking protective action. The reach and effectiveness of these interventions is still a concern.
While we have seen many high-level commitments and policies supporting the development and implementation of inclusive warnings, there is still considerable effort needed to translate these commitments into effective actions.
In Klaipėda, Lithuania, a group of young climate and ecology activists decided to mark Earth Day by inviting 300 students to develop a disaster prevention and response plan to avoid a climate apocalypse in Lithuania.
LGBTQIA+ people are often some of the most marginalised in disasters. We need to build early warning systems that are inclusive of all of society – and that involve marginalised communities in all stages of their development.
In Liberia, challenges abound, but progress will prevail. Joining MCR2030 is helping its cities build resilience to disease outbreaks, and reducing the impacts of natural hazards.
