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UN, NiMet seek urgent action to address climate change impact

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), an agency of the United Nations (UN) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have called for urgent action to address the negative impact of climate change, adding that it is no longer a distant threat but is unfolding globally.

The Head of the WMO, Prof. Petteri Taalas, in his opening remarks at the media sensitisation for journalists on Climate Change and COP 28, noted that the occurrence of unprecedented heavy rainfall events leading to devastating floods and rising sea levels, affecting not only the environment but also social, economic, and political aspects.

Prof. Taalas who was represented by the WMO Representative for North, Central, and West Africa, Bernard Edward Gomez, stated that high-impact weather events such as storms, floods, and droughts are causing natural disasters with far-reaching consequences.

“These events, with cascading effects, result in significant economic losses, displacement of people, and the destruction of livelihoods and communities.”

Quoting the World Economic Forum’s projections for the 2023-2033 period, he noted that four of the ten most pressing global risks are related to climate change.

He emphasized the crucial role of the WMO in providing real-time and non-real-time data on Earth’s atmosphere and water resources, stressing its significance for accurate climate system forecasts.

He also traced the history of climate conferences initiated by the WMO, leading to the establishment of key organizations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS).

Highlighting the upcoming UN climate change conference, COP28, in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023, Prof. Taalas emphasized its pivotal role in securing increased commitments from nations to address the climate crisis.

He underscored the urgency of global cooperation, referring to the Early Warning for All Initiative declared during COP27 by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

In a call to action for journalists, Prof. Taalas asserted the indispensable role of journalism in addressing climate change. He emphasized that journalists play a critical role in information sharing and accountability, bridging the gap between governance and communities.

Also, the UN Resident Coordinator RC Matthias Schmale highlighted the severe impact of climate change in Nigeria, citing last year’s staggering statistics of flooding-related casualties and destruction.

He expressed the UN’s firm commitment to supporting Nigeria’s climate change efforts and urged the media to provide accurate information amid widespread misinformation and disinformation.

Schmale emphasized the responsibility of the media to report facts, explain the science, and outline the consequences of climate change for Nigerians. He advocated for a solutions-focused approach to reporting, emphasizing the positive strides made in green energy use and innovations.

Meanwhile, the Director General of NiMet, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu said a social justice perspective, highlighting the vulnerability of third-world countries contributing minimally to global emissions. He stressed the need for localized solutions based on local evidence of climate change.

“As the world grapples with the unfolding climate crisis, the role of the media, global cooperation, and local solutions are paramount.”

“The urgency to act is underscored by the alarming warnings from experts, emphasizing that time is running out for humanity to succeed in averting the impending environmental catastrophe.”

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