By Ojugbele Omotunde
Dr. Benard Gomez, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) representative for West, Central, and North Africa, has announced that the United Nations will prioritize the establishment of early warning systems against climate disasters globally by 2027.
This significant initiative was unveiled during Dr. Gomez’s address at the ongoing four-day 2024 Regional Climate Outlook Forum in Abuja on Wednesday.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Dr. Gomez emphasized that the 2022 State of Climate in Africa report revealed the direct impact of weather, climate, and water-related hazards on over 110 million people in Africa, resulting in economic damages exceeding $8.5 billion.
Dr. Gomez noted that the United Nations, in collaboration with the African Union Commission and partners, has developed the “Earlier Warning for All Action Plan,” which focuses on establishing comprehensive early warning systems globally.
The goal is to ensure that early warnings reach everyone by 2027, aiming to prevent a recurrence of the devastating impacts observed in 2022.
To enhance coordination, data exchange, numerical weather prediction, and model access, Dr. Gomez highlighted the transition of WMO’s Global Data Processing and Forecasting Systems (GDPFS) to its Integrated Processing and Prediction System (WIPPS).
Dr. Gomez commended the AGRHYMET Regional Centre for its longstanding efforts in capacity building and climate change resilience across Sahelian and West African countries over the past fifty years.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdul Ali, Director-General of AGRHYMET Regional Centre, raised concerns about potential food crises affecting over 50 million people in the region during the upcoming lean season, stressing the need for immediate preventive measures.
Dr. Ali expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Federal Government for organizing the 2024 Climate Outlook Forum, providing a vital platform for addressing critical climate change issues.
The commitment of the United Nations to prioritize global early warning systems underscores the imperative to proactively address climate-related disasters and protect vulnerable populations worldwide.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance resilience, promote sustainability, and mitigate the impact of climate change on communities and economies globally.
