Red Cross and astronauts call for global pact to protect people from natural disasters

International treaties protect astronauts when they face danger in space, but no comprehensive global agreement yet helps countries coordinate assistance when disaster strikes on Earth. That contrast is driving a new initiative from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and a group of astronauts.

At a news conference at United Nations headquarters in New York, Dylan Winder, the IFRC’s permanent observer to the UN, called for the first global pact focused on protecting people during natural disasters. More than a dozen astronauts have joined the initiative, including geoscientist Sian Proctor.

“

International treaties protect astronauts in trouble. But if a flood hits your city, there is still no comprehensive global treaty to help countries cut red tape and coordinate international assistance on Earth.

Winder said more than 350 disasters linked to natural phenomena affected over 110 million people last year and caused $169.7 billion in losses. He said 24 hours of advance warning before an imminent hazard can reduce resulting damage by up to 30 percent. Each dollar invested in disaster-risk reduction and resilience, he added, can save about $15 in future losses.

“

Just 24 hours of advance warning of an imminent hazard can reduce the resulting damage by up to 30 percent, and every dollar invested in disaster-risk reduction and resilience can save around 15 dollars in future losses.

Countries with integrated early-warning systems record mortality rates six times lower, according to Winder. He cited disasters such as the one in Nepal as examples of situations where a global treaty could establish clear rules for international assistance and help governments and humanitarian groups move more quickly through administrative procedures.

The IFRC said regional, bilateral and sector-specific agreements exist, but no international treaty brings the rules and procedures together. A global framework could speed the deployment of humanitarian teams, ease border and customs formalities, improve cooperation between governments and aid organizations, and reduce costs and administrative obstacles. Negotiations began in April, with the goal of finishing the text and adopting the treaty by the end of 2027.

“

In disasters such as the one in Nepal, a global treaty would establish clear rules for international assistance and help governments and humanitarian actors navigate bureaucratic procedures more quickly.