International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) is celebrating the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on October 13th, focusing on empowering youth for a resilient future. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of safe schools and education facilities, ensuring children are protected and informed about disaster risks.
Empowering the Next Generation
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stresses the need for young people to have the skills and knowledge to create a climate-resilient future. During a visit to Tonga, he introduced a booklet in the Tongan language to inspire children to become disaster champions.
Global Initiatives and Challenges
The WMO highlights the importance of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) and youth engagement in adapting to climate change. With nearly 2 billion young people worldwide, many live in areas heavily affected by climate-related disasters. However, MHEWS coverage is low, with only 44% of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and 38% of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) having effective systems.
Economic Impact and Future Plans
Disasters have caused significant economic losses, averaging USD 131 billion annually from 2015 to 2022. The WMO is developing a Youth Action Plan to involve young people in creating robust MHEWS, aiming for a sustainable future. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasizes the importance of integrating youth perspectives for innovative solutions to climate challenges.
Impact on Education
According to the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, disasters have led to school closures affecting 400 million students globally since 2022. The WMO’s projects focus on gender and youth, reflecting their commitment to future generations.
Doubts Revealed
UN Secretary-General -: The UN Secretary-General is the leader of the United Nations, an organization that helps countries work together to solve global problems. Antonio Guterres is the current Secretary-General.
Antonio Guterres -: Antonio Guterres is a Portuguese politician who is currently the Secretary-General of the United Nations. He works on global issues like peace, security, and climate change.
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction -: This is a special day celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about how to reduce the risks and impacts of disasters like floods, earthquakes, and storms.
World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) -: The WMO is an international organization that focuses on weather, climate, and water. It helps countries understand and predict weather patterns to keep people safe.
Youth Empowerment -: Youth empowerment means giving young people the skills and opportunities they need to make positive changes in their communities and the world.
Climate-resilient future -: A climate-resilient future is a world where people and communities are prepared to handle changes in the climate, like more frequent storms or droughts, without being harmed.
Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems -: These are systems that help predict and warn people about different types of natural disasters, like earthquakes or floods, so they can stay safe.
Youth Action Plan -: A Youth Action Plan is a strategy to involve young people in important activities and decisions, especially related to making communities safer and more prepared for disasters.
