Spreading the message 'Understanding the clouds'

(Baonghean) - On the occasion of the annual World Meteorological Day (March 23), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) often chooses a central theme for member countries to focus on promoting public awareness. This year, the central theme chosen is "Understanding clouds". Nghe An Newspaper interviewed Mr. Vo Van Ngoc - Deputy Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment about the above content.

PV:Mr. Vo Van Ngoc, what is the reason and necessity for the World Meteorological Organization to choose the theme "Understanding clouds" for WMO member countries to focus on promoting on the occasion of World Meteorological Day 2017?

Mr. Vo Van Ngoc:As the message of the Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization, Professor Petteri Taalas sent to member countries, the choice of the theme "Understanding clouds" for propaganda on the occasion of the World Meteorological Day is because clouds play a very important role. If the community has full understanding, there will be practical actions to contribute to responding to climate change.

In the Message, Professor Petteri Taalas emphasized the importance of clouds, saying: “Scientists today understand that clouds play a very important role in regulating climate, weather and the Earth's energy balance. Clouds have contributed to promoting the hydrological cycle and the entire climate system. Understanding clouds is an important basis for forecasting weather conditions, modeling the impacts of future climate change and predicting the existence of water resources…”.

On February 28, 2017, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment also issued Official Dispatch No. 805/BTNMT-KTTVBDKH to the Departments of Natural Resources and Environment regarding the organization of "World Meteorological Day 2017", reaffirming the importance of raising awareness of clouds for the entire community: "This theme emphasizes the importance of clouds in the water cycle, climate regulation and conveys the message about the need to increase investment in research, disseminate information, knowledge and improve understanding of clouds, contributing to improving the effectiveness of warning and forecasting of climate and weather and at the same time, thereby raising public awareness of the importance of hydrometeorological activities and climate services of the Hydrometeorological sector in socio-economic activities, prevention, avoidance and mitigation of natural disasters...".

As we know, Vietnam is located in the tropical monsoon region with a very complex and diverse climate and hydrological regime. Hydrometeorological disasters such as storms, floods, rising sea levels, heavy rains, droughts, cold spells, etc. impact daily and hourly on life and production. Particularly for Nghe An province, one of the provinces that is often heavily affected by climate change, implementing the theme "Understanding clouds" chosen by the World Meteorological Organization is extremely necessary.

Illustration photo

PV:So, sir, what activities will our province have to respond to World Meteorological Day this year?

Mr. Vo Van Ngoc:The Department of Natural Resources and Environment has advised the Provincial People's Committee to direct provincial departments, branches, sectors, and district People's Committees to organize seminars, talks, exhibitions, hanging banners, posters, etc. with the theme "Understanding clouds"; coordinate with press and radio agencies to promote activities in response to World Meteorological Day 2017 to raise public awareness of clouds, thereby taking practical actions to contribute to preventing, combating, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

In order for the activities in response to World Meteorological Day this year to be in-depth and practical, as a specialized agency of the Provincial People's Committee, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment has also issued a document guiding the District People's Committee to organize activities in response to World Meteorological Day in the locality; develop a set of documents serving propaganda work to provide to the District People's Committee and press and radio agencies to widely propagate, improve understanding of clouds and raise people's awareness of law compliance; organize printing and distribution of banners and pennants with the theme "Understanding clouds" for the District People's Committee to hang in the locality. Organize the launching of the movement "People participate in protecting and not encroaching on technical corridors of hydrometeorological works" in the area... It is expected that on the morning of March 23, 2017, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment will organize a discussion on the theme of World Meteorological Day.

PV:As you mentioned, Nghe An is one of the provinces heavily affected by climate change. So can you clarify the negative impacts of climate change, and what specific actions the community needs to take to respond to climate change?

Mr. Vo Van Ngoc:The negative impacts of climate change on Nghe An province have been very clear in recent years. That is, in recent years, droughts have frequently occurred, causing rivers and dams to dry up, severely affecting production and people's lives. Or at the end of 2015, our province had to endure an unprecedented cold spell, causing people in the highland districts to suffer severe economic consequences.

To contribute to responding to climate change, in addition to the active participation of the Government, authorities at all levels and international organizations, there needs to be specific actions from the entire community. That is to increase understanding of Vietnam's and local climate change response policies and plans and the latest scientific advances in responding to climate change.

From there, there are specific actions that are beneficial to the environment, minimizing the harmful effects of climate change right at home and in the community. At home, beneficial actions can start with simple things such as reducing waste, saving electricity, etc.

For society, it is participating with the community in implementing environmental protection measures right in residential areas and workplaces; paying attention to biodiversity conservation, focusing on protecting and developing ecosystems, breeds and species that are resistant to climate change; protecting and conserving genetic resources and species that are at risk of extinction due to the impact of climate change, etc.; participating in and organizing environmental protection activities. Volunteer activities of individuals and groups have practical significance and contribute to sustainable community development...

Nhat Lan(Perform)