Soil and Water Conservation department urges to combat climate change

DIMAPUR — Commemorating ‘World Meteorological Day,’ the Soil and Water Conservation department on Friday called upon scientists, environmentalists, communities as well as policy makers to diligently and cooperatively live up to the challenges and combat climate change.

‘World Meteorological Day 2024’ was observed on the theme “At the frontline of climate action” to recognise the threats posed by climate change and the growing role of meteorologists.

An update from the department stated that the day is observed to showcase the essential contribution of national meteorological and hydrological services to the safety and wellbeing of society. It added that the success of any developmental works depends on the availability of meteorological data of the region.

The department stated that it has 17 meteorological observatories in which the first observatory was set up at Kohima in the year 1981, providing inputs namely rainfall, temperature, humidity etc. It serves as a guide for planning activities of various land and water user departments, researchers, scientists, engineers, policy makers for developing various schemes and projects.

According to the ‘Meteorological Report of Nagaland 2023’ published by the department, the highest maximum temperature was 38.6 ºC recorded at Mangkolemba observatory and lowest minimum temperature of 2.4 ºC recorded at Shamator observatory, while the highest amount of annual rainfall was 2493.4 mm recorded at Mon observatory and lowest amount of annual rainfall was 947 .3 mm recorded at Meluri observatory.

It pointed out that climate change is real and pose threat to the entire civilization adding that the effects are already visible and will be catastrophic unless ‘we act now.’

It also stated that anthropogenic climate change has resulted in widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and biosphere, affecting many weather and climate extremes with adverse impacts and related losses and damages to nature and people.

“Climate action is essential to sustainable development including good health, access to water and sanitation and freedom from poverty and hunger. There is no avenue for human development without prioritising climate action. The world needs to demonstrate the same unity and commitment to climate action and cutting greenhouse gas emissions,” the statement read.

On the occasion, the department stressed on the need to transfer energy to renewable energy and adapt to the changes that have occurred. It also stressed on the need to prevent any future changes from happening.

As the impact of climate change continues to intensify, it called upon everyone to come together and support those at the frontline of climate action and strive towards a more sustainable and resilient world.