The Canadian Government has renewed its CAD$10 million climate risk early warning system (CREWS), that will benefit a number of Pacific Island countries meteorological services in the next four-years, reports SPREP

The commitment was made by the Canadian Minister for Environment, Hon. Steven Guilbeault, at a COP27 side event, which was joined by Pacific representatives, Tonga Met Services and Niue delegates, in Sharm El Sheikh, Eygypt on 11 November.

The funding will support the improvement of early warning systems in developing countries, particularly in small island developing states.

The continuation of funding recognised development of early warning systems by National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (MNHS) in Asia, the Pacific and the Caribbean.

Tonga Met Service Director, 'Ofa Fa’anunu said the isolated Tofua island was chosen for a VHF radio to be installed. Located in Ha’apai, the island with an active volcano, has a small community of kava farmers.

“There are 100 farmers who grow kava there and stay on the island for six months outside of the cyclone system, and they produce 40 tonnes of kava valued at USD$2 million annually. There is no communication at all with the rest of Tonga on the islands.

“If something happens on the island, they light a fire to alert the neighbouring islands to send a boat for help”.

He also said they had also installed a multi-hazard warning system that’s linked to the Tonga Met office, to allow them to track activity of the active volcano.

Vulnerable to climate change

Canada’s funding recognises that developing countries in Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and increasing severe weather events.

Hon. Steven Guilbeault said that people need information early so they can take steps to prepare beforehand.

Canada’s funding of Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems has strengthened Early Warning Systems’ capacity in many small islands, developing states and Southeast Asia.

• Thirty-five countries stren  gthened their capacity related to early warning systems.
• More than 150 National Meteorological and Hydrological Services staff were trained in a wide range of activities, including impact-based forecasting, severe weather, flash floods, common alerting protocol, regional climate data, and analysis and projections.
• Fourteen countries developed national strategies and frameworks for weather, water, and climate services.
• Twelve countries conducted   national assessments of multi-hazard early warning systems.
• Nine countries developed “Met Bills”, providing legal mandates for their National Meteorological and Hydrological Services.
• Three regional and three national impact-based forecasting workshops and training sessions were held.
• Four community-based Early Warning Systems were developed.
• National Meteorological and Hydrological Services received assistance to participate in regional and national climate outlook forums in all three geographic areas.