SEWA satellite early warning launched in NamibiaCEFR A2
5 Jul 2025
Adapted from Adesewa Olofinko, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Birger Strahl, Unsplash
A new satellite-based early warning system called SEWA was launched at a high-level forum in Windhoek, Namibia, from June 23–27. The forum combined the Joint Forum on Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications Programme (ClimSA) with the SEWA launch under the theme “Accelerating access to climate and weather services for resilient African economies and communities.”
Africa faces strong climate risks even though it contributes little to global emissions. In 2022, more than 110 million people were affected by weather and climate hazards, with large economic losses and many deaths. SEWA will use satellite technology to strengthen early warning systems and improve data access for governments, civil society, and communities.
ClimSA supports climate services for agriculture, health, energy, water, and disaster risk reduction, and the forum brought together regional and international partners.
Difficult words
- satellite-based — using information collected by satellites
- early warning system — service that gives advance notice of danger
- launch — to start or send into actionlaunched
- affect — to cause change or harm to someoneaffected
- emission — gases released into the airemissions
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think an early warning system would help your community? Why or why not?
- What local services (like government or community groups) should get climate data first?
Related articles
Caribbean year of tensions, culture and climate
The Caribbean saw political tensions between the United States and Venezuela, major cultural wins and environmental challenges. Hurricanes and renewable energy plans shaped the year, while sport successes and political debates marked regional headlines.
Turning sawdust into fire‑resistant boards with struvite
Researchers at ETH Zurich and Empa have made a recyclable composite from sawdust and the mineral struvite. The material resists fire better than untreated wood, is lighter than cement boards, and can be recycled, but costs and scale remain issues.
Volcanic plume removed methane after Hunga Tonga eruption
After the January 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai, satellites showed the volcanic plume helped destroy some methane. Researchers say sunlight on salt and ash likely created reactive chlorine that broke down methane, with implications for climate action.
