The future is digital

The digital transformation of societies will be imperative if the future of early warning systems lies in technological innovation. While early warning systems using mobile technology, similar to EWS1294 in Cambodia, have been underway for over a decade now, it will be the more recent acceleration of digital transformation for mobile infrastructures which significantly expands the reach and capabilities of these systems in the future.

The RBAP Horizon Scanning Initiative identified several risks and uncertainties which will impact the digital transformation of mobile infrastructures in Asia Pacific. Mobile penetration rates across the region indicate that 96 percent of the population now have mobile coverage, and a further 430 million 5G connections will have been established by 2025, driving digital growth and technological innovation. Yet there is still a long way to go in reaching the last four percent and ensuring digital connectivity for all, particularly in rural, remote, and other inaccessible geographic areas.

Leaving no one behind

Communication barriers, social and cultural stigma, lack of accessibility of infrastructure, and the absence of effective social safety nets continue to prevent communities, and particularly persons with disabilities, older people, and other at-risk groups from accessing timely early warning and risk information. 

Persons with disabilities, who make up about 15% of the world’s population, often face barriers when accessing early warning systems, despite being disproportionately affected by climate-driven hazards and the impacts of disasters. Early warning systems which use SMS to target populations en masse often do not consider the need for multiple formats and features for users with disabilities. For example, a warning via text message may not be accessible for a person with a visual impairment. Therefore, as digital transformation enables SMS warnings to reach more people, innovations in technology should be used to develop tools that are accessible for persons with disabilities and consider the diversity of the population. 

Additionally, despite advancements in abolishing gender inequalities in access to technology and communication services, gaps still remain. Studies have shown that the majority of women get warning information through informal social sources within their family or community than through formal sources and thus may miss out on critical information shared through formal warning systems. 

People-centered design 

For the needs of under-represented and marginalised groups to be adequately met in the early warning systems of our future, it is critical to co-create technological solutions for early warning systems through participatory and inclusive decision-making processes and people-centred design. 

One such example of people-centred design in practice sits within the “Strengthening Climate Information and Early Warning Systems in Cambodia” project, which saw the development of a ‘Women’s Charter of Demands’. The charter prioritised gender-barriers to early action such as access to safe areas with adequate resources, access to education and awareness-raising activities, and support for women’s advocacy. This initiative gave women an opportunity to share their experiences and shape their own futures for disaster risk management. 

Adopting a people-centred approach to early warning systems will mean the people closest to the problem are included in creating the solutions. By focusing on the user journey, at-risk communities will be able to document the steps they will take in accessing early warnings, identify the barriers they will face, and propose solutions. To embed this practice into technological innovation would create a future where early warning systems are inclusive and leave no one behind.

The future of inclusive early warning systems

There is great potential for technological innovation to serve as the future of early warning systems. Yet, for the future of inclusive early warning systems, countries must engage, listen to, and empower under-represented and marginalised groups. Thus, by utilizing a people-centred design alongside digital transformations and innovations in technology, we can ensure that every person on Earth is protected by early warning systems in the next five years.