Cairo: The Arab League on Monday reaffirmed the importance of addressing the spike in natural hazards by giving overriding priority to monitoring infrastructure, and areas of innovation and training. It is crucial to embark on strengthening Arab, regional and international cooperation to help ensure precision weather forecasts and advanced early warning systems, the League said in a statement to mark Arab Meteorological Day, which annually falls on Sept. 15.
According to Qatar News Agency, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Arab League's Economic Affairs Sector, HE Ambassador Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al Malki, highlighted that Arab meteorological agencies and authorities are undertaking an important role to protect lives and serve communities, property, and environmental security amid the rapid and unprecedented shifts in climate conditions. Managing weather information and climate is essential to align with advancements in leveraging AI to optimize weather forecasts. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of reinforcing international cooperation to address increasing climate challenges.
Al Malki suggested that investing in advanced meteorological systems, alongside scientific cooperation, paves the way for a more secure future for upcoming generations. He underscored the vital role Arab meteorological agencies play as a primary line of defense against the rapid increase in natural disasters in the Arab region, particularly those associated with El Nino, which affects global temperature patterns and exacerbates extreme weather conditions.
El Nino increases the risk of extreme weather events, according to reports issued by Arab meteorological agencies and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). These events, including wildfires, floods, and earthquakes, put overwhelming pressure on critical sectors in Arab countries, especially those affected by conflict, Al Malki noted. He further pointed out that the League prioritizes climate issues and continues efforts to develop systems and augment data across Arab nations.
The League also emphasizes strengthening awareness of meteorology in daily life and engaging societies in achieving sustainable development, recognizing the significant contributions of Arab meteorologists.
