Editorial
World Climate Conference
Take immediate steps to implement pledges as time is running out
NOW that the World Climate Conference-3 has concluded with the decision to create a 'Global Framework for Climate Services', we earnestly hope all the countries will work sincerely towards implementing the pledges. The framework aims to help the world community better cope with the challenges of the unpredictable climate behaviour, as drastic changes in the weather pattern and resulting global warming is poised to wreak havoc in many countries, including Bangladesh. Hence, the Bangladesh government needs to keep its attention focused on how and when the recommendations will be translated into action.
What stands out in the framework is the decision to strengthen production, availability, delivery and adaptation of science-backed climate prediction and services. There is no denying that without proper application of technology, such as sophisticated satellites, precise prediction about a looming natural catastrophe will not be possible. Therefore, all the developing countries should be given access to such technology by those who have it.
The conference requested the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) secretary general to convene an intergovernmental meeting of member states of the WMO within four months of the adoption of the Declaration. The meeting would reflect on and approve the terms of reference and endorse the composition of a high-level taskforce. It is understood that the taskforce would prepare a report to be circulated by the WMO secretary general to member states for consideration at the next WMO Congress in 2011 with a view to adopting a framework and a plan for its implementation.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has suggested at the meeting that Bangladesh and WMO should exchange information on weather situations, pointing out that it would not be possible to address the challenges by a single country or organisation. She rightly said that regional and international cooperation is imperative to cope with the climate change issues. And on the basis of her talks with the WMO secretary general, we hope she would immediately start working on modernising Bangladesh's meteorological department by introducing the latest technology and systems.
All said and done, the participating countries should now keep in close touch with one another and share knowledge and expertise to implement the recommendations. They must realise that already some irreversible damage has been done to the world. Therefore, they have no time to lose.
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