WMD 2024: WMO calls for increased vigilance and responsiveness to weather forecasts and alerts, commends NiMet
Oru Leonard
The World Maritime Organisation (WMO), has called for concerted efforts by NiMet to be more vigilant and for communities to be responsive to weather forecasts and alerts.
This is contained in a goodwill message to commemorate the 2024 World Meteorological Day, Themed: “At the frontline of climate action”
According to the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, Professor Celeste Saulo, the theme recognizes the critical stage that we find ourselves with regards to severe weather and climate events caused by climate variability and variability and change and the need for enhanced action to protect lives, property and livelihoods, among others.
He said, The theme “At the Frontline of Climate Action” reminds us that accurate weather and climate information is at the heart of effective climate action. Your work allows us to understand the current state of our planet, predict future trends, and develop mitigation and adaptation strategies.
He noted that the recent fluctuations in the weather witnessed in Nigeria, during this transition from dry to rainy season clearly demonstrate the extreme weather events that we can face across the country. The shifting weather phenomena from heat waves, thunderstorms and thick dust haze happening within a short period, are indicative of a changing climate which calls for concerted efforts by NiMet to be more vigilant and for communities to be responsive to weather forecasts and alerts.
Celeste advised youths to take climate action serious sooner rather than later, as the future leaders and actors at local, national and international stage. you need to take on climate action.
“The lives of future generations are in our hands. Our efforts today will ensure a safer, healthier world for future generations—a world where children thrive in harmony with nature.”
Speaking the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike said that meteorological agencies around the world play a frontline role in monitoring and understanding weather patterns, climate trends, and environmental changes by providing accurate forecasts, early warnings, and climate assessments,
He explained that meteorologists contribute essential information for policymakers, communities, and individuals to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
He said the theme emphasizes the proactive stance that meteorological agencies take in the fight against climate change. “They are at the forefront of efforts to monitor and analyze climate data, assess risks, and develop strategies for adaptation and resilience-building.
“Meteorologists collaborate with scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders across various sectors to develop climate-resilient infrastructure, implement sustainable practices, and raise public awareness about climate-related risks and opportunities”, he said.
The WMO provides meteorological services to all socio-economic sectors through its network of observation stations, research and training facilities, and forecasting capabilities, noting, however, that climate change poses an existential threat to the planet, exacerbating extreme weather events, disrupting ecosystems, and endangering vulnerable communities”, Prof Anosike noted further.
