MET Warns of worse Climate Change

By: Happy Arnold Soko

Department of climate change and meteorological services has warned Malawi to expect a worse climatic change in the near future if the fundamental problems are not acted upon.

Speaking in Blantyre on Wednesday during 66^th World Meteorological Day MET Executive Director Joram Nkhokwe expressed worry that despite overwhelming advocacy little action is taken to curtail the climatic change. He said climate change impacts on strategic resources and slows down sustainable development. The cost of inaction is high and will become even higher if not act immediately.

“It seems people are still living in the past and not aware that climate change is taking place. Climate change is there and is manifested through drought and floods. Actually what people need is understand weather information to adapt to climate change. It’s time for Malawians to have keen interest in using weather and climate change information in planning their operations and day today activities.

“It’s very critical as we are commemorating as we are commemorating the 66^th world meteorological day. Let’s bear in mind that there is climate change out there that we should all be conscious enough to be users of weather and climate information and that the information should be shared, said Nkhokwe in an interview with The Malawi Star.

He further said that concerted effort of scientist to develop knowledge and convincing dissemination to the public and policymakers has made climate change visible as a problem for society today.

Ih his remarks, climate knowledge can support bold decision making processes and help policy makers and affected communities to make best choices.

Nkhokwe expressed worry that effects of climate change are no longer a secret; and that it is clear its impacts will get worse in the future.

“Climate knowledge can support bold decision making processes and help policy makers and affected communities to make best choices. For this to happen, climate knowledge must come in form that is easily understood and useable by those who need it.  Climate knowledge can assist city planners in developing policies action plans that can strength urban resilience in the face of climate related disasters,” he added.

This year’s World Meteorological Day was celebrated under the theme “hotter, drier, wetter. Face the future.”