By Lovemore katanda
Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has said it will enhance awareness campaigns in schools and other thematic areas as one way of helping people to counter the impacts of climate change.
Speaking at a press briefing in Blantyre on Monday February 22,2021, Director of Climate Change and Meteorological Services Yolamu Khokwe said as the world commemorate 71st World Meteorological Day, Malawi should reflect on the success stories for the department and it’s contributions to people’s safety.
Khokwe added that this year’s theme reflects the link between the oceans, weather and climate change.
“This year’s theme is in line with the link between oceans, climate change and the contribution of the oceans to weather and climate change”, he said.
Khokwe further clarified that oceans are the major drivers of the world’s weather and climate change as they cover about 70 percent of the earth surface hence the need for human population to take weather as a resource not a threat.
He adds that people must plant more trees that help to mitigate the challenges posed by climate change.
“People must plant trees especially in bare lands. This will help the nations to properly strengthen their ability to counter the impacts of climate change,” said Khokwe.
Echoing the sentiments, an official from the Department of Meteorological Services Lucy Mtilatila urged city planners to properly utilise weather forecasts to avoid natural disasters such as floods that devastate people’s lives and properties in various locations.
World meteorological day falls on March 23 every year and the theme for this year is ‘ The onceans,our climate and weather’.
