“This book explores the feasibility of using early warning systems to prevent losses from climate change associated hazards – such as hurricanes, fog, floods, droughts and fires. Chapters in the book highlight specific components of the early warning process – including ways to identify vulnerable communities, predict hazards and deliver information. Satellite images illustrate the transnational impact of disasters. Case studies provide detailed examples of current early warning systems, and highlight gaps in knowledge and coverage. The book is unique in bringing together contributions from authors in different fields and from different parts of the world – Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. Despite widespread calls for early warning systems there has long been a lack of dialogue between fields. Discourse often occurs within the boundaries of specific disciplines – meteorology, anthropology, and political science for example. There is limited coherence in activities and policy frameworks related to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (Mitchell and Van Aals 2008 ). To encourage cross-disciplinary learning, this book brings together authors with different areas of expertise. Each discipline brings a unique approach, along with field specific terminology or biases. But the different perspectives also offer unique tools, which can be used to better early warning systems.”
