As prepapred for delivery.
It is a privilege to join this important event as we assess the progress of the EW4All initiative and the global response to the UN Secretary-General’s call to action on extreme heat.
Our world is facing unprecedented climate challenges, with rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns becoming the norm.
This year alone, we saw the record for the world’s hottest day broken twice in one week, followed by the hottest August on record. Heat-related deaths, now at 500,000 annually, could quadruple by 2050, alongside intensified flooding and droughts.
Extreme heat impacts people, economies, and infrastructure. Integrating heat into global early warning systems is essential to improve preparedness and empower vulnerable communities, who are disproportionately affected.
While the economic benefits of universal early warning systems outweigh costs by 4 to 10 times, one-third of the world still lacks access, with the most vulnerable at greatest risk.
The World Bank is addressing these challenges through (over 100) 119 hydro-meteorological and early warning system projects, valued at over $1.35 billion globally.
In alignment with EW4All’s focus, we are supporting 24 projects totaling $261 million across 14 priority nations. These efforts are bolstered by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR).
Examples of our work include a $92 million investment in Sri Lanka, benefiting 11 million people with advanced early warning systems, and Mozambique, where improved systems warned communities days ahead of Cyclone Freddy in 2023, saving lives.
Investments in climate-friendly cooling are critical. The World Bank mobilized $157 million through the Green Climate Fund for a Cooling Facility, supporting projects in nine countries, including energy-efficient buildings and climate-friendly vaccine cold chains.
Additionally, our work on the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) demonstrates the scale of impact possible, unlocking a $1.6 trillion investment opportunity by 2040 and creating 3.7 million jobs while cutting emissions.
To meet EW4All’s 2027 target and the UNSG’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat, partnerships blending public, private, concessional, and grant funding are essential. By working together, we can protect communities on the frontlines of climate change and build resilience for the future.
Thank you.
