Be weather-ready, climate-smart

The beginning of 2018 is predicted to be a continuation of extreme weather in 2017 –which continues to kill and destroy the lives of people. The hurricane season in 2017 is the most devastating in US history and destroyed decades of development of small islands in the Caribbean such as Dominica. Floods have left millions of people in the sub-Asiabecame homeless, while droughts have exacerbated poverty and increased migration pressure in the Horn of Africa.

2017 is one of the hottest years in history and the hottest year without El Nino. Long-term climate change, due to greenhouse gas emissions, brings our planet to a hotter future, with more severe weather and water shocks.

In his message, Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Petteri Taalas expects all members of the WMO to be "weather-ready, climate smart "and smart-water management. This is necessary to support the international agenda for sustainable development, disaster risk reduction and adaptation to climate change.

In the face of increasing weather extremes, Petteri Taalas said that we need to reinforce more multi-disaster warning systems and rhythmic responses.

"National Hydrological Meteorological services enhance the provision of accurate and timely services for all events from the present moment to seasonal weather forecasts and future climate forecasts and for everyone - from individuals, communities to different business sectors and to policymakers- in the most understandable language,"he emphasized.

Petteri Taalas said there are three issues that need to be addressed in today's disaster warning and forecasting. First, each nation needs to establish an observation network on the ground, in the air, on the sea as well as from space. This is required to provide data to support forecasting and early warning of extreme weather events.

Secondly, social resistance to weather events and extreme weather must be based on advances in science and technology.

Finally, it is especially important to actively involve the people and communities in active prevention of natural disasters, promote community education and raise awareness about risk and universalisation. Effectively communicate messages, alerts and always ensure preparedness.

Bao Chau