ASEAN Climate Outlook Forum Emphasizes Cooperation in Addressing Climate Challenges
In a bid to tackle the increasing threats of climate change, the Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology, Thor Chetha, has stressed the need for cooperation in sharing data, technology and knowledge among member countries. This cooperation can lead to more accurate forecasts, enhanced understanding of climate change, and timely responses to natural disasters. * Improved forecasting capabilities
* Better understanding of climate change impacts
* Enhanced decision-making
* Timely responses to natural disasters
Thor Chetha highlighted the importance of cooperation during his opening remarks at the 24th ASEAN Climate Outlook Forum (ASEANCOF-24), held in Phnom Penh. The forum, which took place from April 22 to 25, included training sessions and technical meetings focused on climate science, particularly heatwaves and health impacts. ASEANCOF-24 brought together representatives from various international organizations, including the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), and the UK Met Office. Delegates from all 11 ASEAN member countries attended the forum, both in person and via video conferencing. The forum aimed to enhance knowledge and capacity in climate science, climate change, and climate resilience. It also sought to develop concrete strategic plans across related sectors and stakeholders. Thor Chetha expressed his confidence that ASEANCOF-24 would produce meaningful outcomes that would serve as a foundation for future efforts. “Climate change is a major concern, directly linked to urban development, economic growth, and social progress. It has caused disruption and posed obstacles to multi-sectoral development efforts,” the minister said. He underlined the importance of research and study on weather and climate, along with the need to identify the root causes of natural disasters in order to address the long-term risks of climate change and the increasing threats from natural hazards such as tropical storms, strong winds, lightning, floods, droughts, and rising sea levels. Key points to take away from the Minister’s remarks include:
* The need for data sharing and cooperation
* The importance of research and study on weather and climate
* The need to identify the root causes of natural disasters
* The importance of developing concrete strategic plans
* The need for enhanced knowledge and capacity in climate science
By emphasizing the importance of cooperation and research, Thor Chetha highlighted the need for collective action to address the challenges of climate change. By working together, ASEAN countries can develop more effective strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change and building resilience in the face of increasing natural hazards. The Minister’s remarks underscored the significance of ASEANCOF-24 as a platform for sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices in climate science and climate change. By fostering cooperation and collaboration, ASEAN countries can unlock new opportunities for addressing the challenges of climate change and building a more sustainable future. The ASEAN Climate Outlook Forum provides a vital platform for ASEAN countries to share experiences, best practices, and research findings on climate change. The forum’s success in promoting cooperation and collaboration will be crucial in addressing the challenges of climate change and building a more resilient future for the region.