What is a cloudburst? Why are they becoming more dangerous?

Intense and heavy downpours called cloudbursts have devastated parts of the mountainous regions of India and Pakistan this year. They are fuelled by warm, wet air, supercharged by hilly terrain, and made more likely – and more severe – by climate change. Here’s why. Early warning systems have proven to be essential for climate adaptation, but currently, only half of the world has reliable access to them. A report by the World Economic Forum, in partnership with the World Meteorological Organization and The Australian National University, examines how technological advances, data-driven innovations and public-private collaboration can bridge this gap and enhance global disaster resilience.