The Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu, has emphasized the need for global collaboration to address the adverse impacts of climate change.
Represented by NiMet’s Director of Weather Forecasting Services, Daniel Okafor, Matazu highlighted the rising frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide, leading to significant human and property losses.
He noted the United Nations’ initiative to implement Early Warning Systems globally by 2027 to enhance protection. These remarks were made during NiMet’s collaborative event with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on the ‘Early Warnings For All’ theme in Lagos.
Representatives of 16 African countries, including Togo, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Congo, Central Africa Republic and others attended the two-week training.
He said the workshop aimed at engaging experts in various aspects of the weather and climate value chain, sharing best practices, exploring innovative methods and enhancing capacity to predict and respond to weather-related hazards.
“In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather and climate events globally, often leading to huge destruction of properties and loss of lives. These extreme events are linked to the changing climate, which the world is still grappling with ways to mitigate and provide effective adaptation mechanisms.
“The United Nations (UN), recognizing the key role of WMO in creating and sustaining climate resilient societies across the globe, is spearheading a new action to ensure that every person on earth is protected by Early Warning Systems by the year 2027. Hence, the Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) initiative.
“The workshop seeks to comprehend the complexities of weather prediction and develop systems that are accessible, adaptable, and responsive to the diverse needs of our communities,” he said.