CIS Case studies: Climate information services for improved livelihood and decision making: A practical guide
Created on Oct 29, 2024
Weather and climate have direct influence and impact on human comfort, socio-economic activities and the natural environment. Over the years, humans have altered natural ecosystems through various activities leading to modified local and regional climates. Today, human influence on the physical environment at a global scale is depicted by rapid increase in population size, energy consumption, intensity of land use, international trade and travel, and other human activities. The resulting global change have heightened awareness that the long-term good health of populations depends on the continued stability and functioning of the biosphere’s ecological, physical, and socio-economic systems.
There is no doubt that the vagaries of weather and climate play a critical role in shaping Africa’s development agenda. This requires a collective approach, unity of purpose based upon the shared vision on climate proofing, genuine partnerships and commitment. National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and Societies are critical actors in supporting sustainable development. Although there is today, increased awareness of the socio-economic benefits derived from weather and climate services, there is still a need to enhance the uptake of scientific knowledge within our society. Information exchange and public education are some of the interventions that can help attain this goal.
There is, therefore, need for various stakeholders to have a forum to share various findings and engage on the role of weather, climate and environmental research in achieving sustainable development. It is with this in mind that the Kenya Meteorological Society (KMS), with the support of National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organization/Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO/IOC), organized the 12th KMS International Conference.