World meteorological day 2015 - Climate change projects showcased in exhibition |24 March 2015
An exhibition showcasing some of the projects the country has implemented to address climate change, reminding all of us of our commitment towards a better tomorrow, was organised yesterday at the Orion Mall.
It coincided with the world meteorological day which falls on March 23.
Climate change and energy principal secretary Wills Agricole, who officially opened the exhibition held under the theme ‘Climate Knowledge for Climate Change’, described it as small scale but one with a strong message of hope that we still have time to save our planet if we all do our part to reduce carbon dioxide emission into the atmosphere.
Organisations like the Public Utilities Corporation, Sustainability for Seychelles, the environment education section under the Ministry of Education, the Energy Commission, the environment department and of course the Seychelles Meteorological Services took part in the exhibition.
On March 23 each year, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) celebrates world meteorological day to commemorate the coming into force of the WMO convention on this same date in 1950.
The WMO, as the successor of the International Meteorological Organisation, created in 1873, has as its fundamental mission to support countries of the world in providing meteorological and hydrological services to protect life and property from natural disasters related to weather, climate and water; to safeguard the environment; and to contribute to sustainable development. The Seychelles National Meteorological Services (NMS) became a member of the WMO in 1976.
Mr Agricole said these cannot happen without the necessary observations, research and operations that develop the understanding and knowledge of weather and climate and Seychelles has been contributing to the world weather watch since it joined the WMO.
Since its creation the WMO has established and successfully implemented many programmes aimed at better coordination and improvement among the meteorological stations around the world.
He also said the scope of services provided by the national meteorological services has increased over the years as the need for environmental information has grown.
“To cope with these challenges and to ensure that it remains relevant in this modern scientific world, the National Meteorological Services has developed its strategic plan for the next five years with the ultimate goal of enabling the institution to focus on a set of deliverables, clearly articulated outcomes in order to produce desired results to meet the national and international requirements,” said PS Agricole.
He added that the Met office has also upgraded its facilities to keep itself up-to-date with new technologies and ensure it maintains a good link of communication with the rest of the world.
PS Agricole said each year the celebrations to mark the day focus on a topic of interest, therefore this year’s theme couldn’t be more timely as the international community moves towards ambitious decisions and actions to address climate change and the people of Seychelles and other small island developing states are on the front line of climate change.
“It’s about people, it’s about survival,” he added.
He made reference to the forthcoming meeting on climate change in Paris in December and the fact that the international community has failed so far to address climate change sufficiently. That’s why Seychelles as a Sids really wants a new universal agreement applicable to all in December in Paris.
“This is why Seychelles is going to bring bold announcements and climate action through its intended nationally determined contributions to Paris in December 2015 that will strengthen climate resilience, and mobilise political will for a meaningful legal agreement in December 2015. Seychelles wants to champion an ambitious vision, anchored in action that will enable a meaningful universal agreement in 2015,” he said.