Director General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, urged Nigerians to heed early climate warnings. This aligns with the UN’s Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) Initiatives.
Prof. Anosike, represented by Mrs. Glory Onyegbule, spoke on July 17, 2024. The event, themed ‘Tree-mendous Strategy for a Sustainable Future,’ took place at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State.
NiMet has partnered with research institutions and academia nationwide. “These partnerships have improved climate knowledge, risk management, and awareness,” he said.
Prof. Anosike highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of flooding. “Heat waves and heat stress occur regularly, and dry spells are becoming more intense,” he noted.
Violent weather storms are now common. Mudslides, erosion, and coastal inundation also occur more often. “These changes result in significant human and socioeconomic losses,” he added. Hence, he argued, the need to heed early climate warnings.
Human actions, such as deforestation and urbanization, drive these changes. “Combating climate change requires collective action at all levels,” he emphasized.
He praised Prof. Kate Omenugha, Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, for the summit. “This initiative should be emulated by other institutions,” he said.
NiMet provides early warnings through its annual seasonal climate prediction (SCP). “Effective impact requires matching early warnings with early actions to mitigate risks,” he stated.
Prof. Anosike hoped the university would use NiMet forecasts to nurture planted trees. He assured continued collaboration with stakeholders for accurate, actionable weather information.
