The Director- General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, Prof Mansur Bako Matazu has appealed to the over 187-Member States and 6 Member Territories of the large house to operate with common vision and goals.
The NiMet Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu made this known on Thursday in Abuja, at an event to mark the Day with the theme, “The Future of Weather, Climate and Water Across Generations”.
Prof. Matazu, who was represented by the Director, Research and Training, Prof. Effiom Essien Oku, stated that it has become very clear that no country in the world is immune against the effect of the changing climate, whether as an emitter or non-emitter of these gasses, adding that happenings over the years have shown that weather has no boundary.
He explained that the Day commemorates the coming into force on 23rd March 1950 of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organisation, adding that prior to this date, the International Meteorological Organisation existed since 1873, as a cooperation of international bodies or institutions working tirelessly together, exchanging data and making forecasts for the good of all.
The statement reads in part; “As you may be aware, every year on the 23rd of March, the World celebrates Meteorological Day. This ‘day’ commemorates the coming into force on 23rd March 1950 of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organisation.
“Prior to this date, the International Meteorological Organisation existed since 1873, as a cooperation of international bodies or institutions working tirelessly together, exchanging data and making forecasts for the good of all. This cooperation has been strengthened since the establishment of the World Meteorological organisation (WMO).Over the years, society as well as science has evolved.
“Technology has allowed us to modernise the way activities are conducted in a more concise and efficient manner. We have witnessed the transition from an analogue society to a digital one, and the evolvement is expected to continue. In the same way, the world climate has transited from variability to change while variability still continues within different climate environment.
“The global atmosphere continues to warm while nations struggle to adjust to the reality of combating climate change amidst economic gains. The average concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continues to rise with devastating global consequences.
“It is very clear, however, that no country in the world is immune against the effect of the changing climate, whether as an emitter or non-emitter of these gases. Indeed, happenings over the years have taught us all that weather has no boundary. The world has seen ravaging storms cutting across several international borders during their lifecycles.
“This therefore echoes the essential of cooperation at the core of existence of the WMO. As an organisation of 187 Member States and 6 Member Territories, the WMO requires that all its members will operate with common vision and goals. The World Meteorological Day therefore, offers opportunity for member countries to converge ideas and resources; and align in one common thematic area.”