Climate Change Resilience
By Mr. Gregory Moses – NBC News PNG
24 July, 2015, Nuku’alofa, Tonga - The first Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Meteorology was officially opened by Tonga’s Crown Prince His Royal Highness Tupouto’a Ulukalala, in the Tongan capital of Nuku’alofa earlier today.

This meeting is being attended by various Ministers’ from around the Pacific and Meteorological Services Directors who have been attending the Third Pacific Meteorological Council Meeting for the past four days.

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HRH Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala on left, Dr Elena Manaenkova, Assistant Secretary General of WMO in middle, Minister Talagi from Niue on Right

World Meteorological Organization’s Assistant Secretary General Dr. Elena Manaenkova said this first ministerial meeting reflects the commitment by the Government of Tonga and other Pacific Island Countries and Territories, in addressing the critical issues of the enhancement of weather and climate services in the region, to support sustainable development and protect life and property.

Dr. Manenkova said during the one day meeting, Pacific ministers will be deliberating on some critical agendas faced by the region in terms of access to essential and effective weather and climate services.

In addition, Pacific ministers will have an opportunity to discuss in concrete terms some critical subjects, in terms of the importance of investing in Pacific Meteorological infrastructures, and human capital and services.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS), most of which are located in the Pacific region, are already affected and exposed to different kinds of natural disasters and are bearing the brunt of climate changes.

She said over the past 50 years, air temperatures across the Pacific have increased by zero point nine (0.9) Degree Celsius, while sea temperatures have increased by one point zero to one point five (1.0 – 1.5) degrees, and this is far above the global average of zero point six (0.6) degrees Celsius.

Dr. Manenkova said the number of category 4 and 5 storms have also doubled compared to the period 1975 to 1989.

Papua New Guinea is being represented by the Department of Transport and Infrastructure Secretary Roy Mumu, and National Weather Services Director Sam Maiha. -#PacMC2015

Mr. Gregory Moses is a reporter for the National Broadcast Corporation of PNG

This article was developed by a Pacific Media Team of Reporters currently providing coverage on the First Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Meteorology in Tonga.  This activity coordinated by SPREP is supported by a partnership including the Government of Tonga, SPREP, Finland Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS).