Meteorology, Geological Hazards and Climate Change Act 2016 (Vanuatu)

The Meteorology, Geological Hazards and Climate Change Act of Vanuatu aims to: 

• Ensure that high quality services are provided in relation to weather, climate, flood forecasting and geological hazards in Vanuatu.
• Promote capacities of governments, communities and organizations to understand and respond to risks arising from weather events, climate change and geological hazards.
• Specifically address the needs of operators of ships and aircraft and of tourists, to access all necessary weather forecasts, bulletins, alerts, warnings and information concerning geological hazards which may impact upon the safety of their operations or activities.
• Facilitate the use and application within Vanuatu of relevant information, forecasts, bulletins and warnings generated and disseminated to and by local, regional and international bodies.
• Ensure that the government and the public are informed of matters related to weather, climate and geological hazards, and are able to make effective use of such information and data, and to respond to warnings and alerts about such events, in order to protect the environment and the safety and welfare of the community. 

The Act specifically directs the application of the precautionary principle when discharging responsibilities, functions and powers under the Act. The Act further establishes the National Advisory Board on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction which shall, among others, act as an Advisory body for all disaster risk reduction and climate change projects, initiatives and activities in Vanuatu.