Heads up! Early warning systems for climate, water, and weather

Many early warning systems (EWSs) are in operation today to warn the general public, governments, and businesses such as insurance companies or grain producers about impending climate, water, and weather-related hazards, along with other natural and human-made threats. The experiences and insights identified in the use around the globe of EWSs can help to inform officials and other decision makers in various organizations about how to prepare and communicate effective early warnings. Sharing experiences and insights identified in the use of EWSs can also help to educate the media and the general pubic about how to interpret warnings and apply them to their own local needs. The purpose of this publication is to identify ways to make early warnings of potential "threats" to society and the environment more useful, usable, credible, and reliable.