One of the most effective responses to human vulnerability to environmental change is to strengthen mechanisms for early warning. Many actions can be taken to protect life and property if warning is received in time. While some threats are inherently unpredictable, many of those arising from threats from environmental degradation and mismanagement, and from human activities, can now be anticipated with some precision. Early warning capacities are increasing steadily with technological advances in environmental observing, assessment and communications.

DEWA West Asia's early warning component evaluates emerging environmental threats. It cosponsored, participated, and provided guidance on an expert meeting on the development of an Arab strategy for disaster management, including key components on early warning and environmental information systems. The meeting resulted in the development of a framework for strategy development, and prepared the outlines of three background papers to support the strategy development.

DEWA West Asia also participated in the assessment team on the impact of the Asian Tsunami on the coastal areas of Yemen, specifically Socotra Island and Al Mahra Governorate, and prepared a report in collaboration with the team that was submitted to Post Conflict Assessment Unit.