Interviews with Climate Analysts on Why Climate Data Saves Lives
"Niger, as most of the Sahel-region, is frequently affected by floods and drought. These climate extremes have increased over the last decades, thereby negatively affecting the production of food, and increasing food insecurity and malnutrition.
Coming from the region myself, I have been exposed to floods and droughts from a very young age. I saw the effects climate change had on people and therefore I always wanted to do something about it. I studied to become an agro-meteorological engineer, and completed a master in Climate Change and Sustainable Development.
The biggest challenge is that the knowledge of climate change is inadequate, particularly due to low density of data and information networks.
The availability of reliable data is essential to better understand how to measure climate change resilience and to produce quality information that can assist in the effective planning of actions.
The most important work I have done is to identify and assess main climate risks, the capacity of actors and services available, and the needs of vulnerable people, especially regarding climate information needs, and preferred communications channels. Another important task is that I have met communities affected by climate change. I talk with them to understand how they adapt and respond to climate change, only that way I can make sure that WFP delivers the right soliton to the most vulnerable."
To read the rest of the interviews, click the link below:
Rick Scavetta/US Army