Is Zim investing enough in climate services?

Tuesday, June 3, 2014 - 09:25

The African Ministerial Conference on Meteorology (Amcomet) ended its meeting at the weekend at a critical moment when the global agenda is focused on climate change and its impact on society, economy and the environment.  It is essential to continue the momentum generated at various climate change fora.  The crucial indaba in Harare zeroed in on an integrated African strategy for meteorology to meet challenges such as climate change and extreme weather hazards that was adopted by a ministerial-level conference.  Environment and climate ministers from across Africa also focused on how to improve weather and climate services for sustainable development, particularly for priority sectors such as agriculture, water, health, disaster risk reduction and transport.  Regrettably, most African countries’ climate services are generally poorly developed and in a number of countries basic climate services are only available from external sources.  African countries should develop their own meteorological products, strengthen their human capacities and use their own financial resources. Once that is done, it will improve Africa’s ability to monitor extreme weather and climate events.  Full Article