Webinar on “El-Nino: Understanding the Weather Phenomenon; Opportunities for Resilient Future in the Global South”
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El-Nino- Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a weather phenomenon occurs in Pacific Ocean. Climate change and ENSO weather phenomenon are interconnected to each other; warming of surface water accelerates the El-Nino conditions and resultantly weather patterns are impacted across the Asia-Pacific and American regions.
The tropical Pacific is currently undergoing El Niño conditions as a result of rapid and significant variations in oceanic conditions observed in recent months. During the prevailing EL-Nino conditions, South America, Southern United States, horn of Africa, and Central Asia will face heavy rainfall while western pacific regions i.e Australia, Southeast Asia and Indian Ocean regions will face drier conditions leading to droughts, glacier melting, cloud bursts and flooding. Scientists have already warned that with rising emissions and a strong El Niño there is a 66% chance the world will break through a key 1.5C global warming limit at least one year between now and 2027.
In a recent study of Dartmouth College, it is estimated that global economy will face $ 3.4 tn economic loss and economic losses of this century caused by climate change. Global South countries such as South African countries, South American, and South Asian countries will be hit hard by the implication of El-Nino altered weather patterns.
In the light of prevailing climatic conditions across the regions, COMSATS Center for Climate and sustainability aims to conduct series of online sessions to hold webinars and panel discussions of experts in the area of climatology, meteorology, environment and climate change from global south countries as wells as El-Nino vulnerable countries. It will foster knowledge exchange and facilitate discussions on adaptation and mitigation strategies for the affected regions. The sessions can also serve as a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, best practices, and potential solutions to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges associated with El Niño .
THEMES
- Understanding of El Niño and its Relationship with Climate Change.
- Regional Impacts of Upcoming El Niño Events: Case Studies/ Success stories from Global South.
- Adaptation Strategies: Building Resilience for Climate Change
- Mitigation Measures: Addressing root causes to reduce El Niño Impacts.
- Effective use of Early Warning system to address the challenges
- South-South Cooperation: Sharing Experiences, Best Practices and knowledge and expertise exchange
The aim of holding the series of webinars is to enhance understanding of the impacts of El Niño and discuss strategies for adaptation and mitigation. By bringing together experts and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, we aim to foster knowledge exchange, raise awareness, and propose effective solutions to address the challenges associated with the upcoming El Niño events.
OBJECTIVES
- Raise awareness among participants about the characteristics, causes, and potential impacts of El Niño events, with a specific focus on the upcoming episodes.
- Facilitate knowledge exchange among experts, scientists, and stakeholders to enhance understanding of the complex meteorological phenomenon
- Engage participants in discussions on effective adaptation and mitigation measures to minimize the socio-economic and environmental impacts of El Niño events.
- Promote South-South Cooperation: Encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among countries and regions affected by El Niño events, fostering South-South cooperation in areas such as technology transfer, resource sharing, and capacity building.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
- Increased awareness and understanding of the impacts of upcoming El Niño events.
- Identification of effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.
- Enhanced collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders.
FORMAT OF WEBINAR
The webinar will consist of interactive panel discussions, presentations, and Q&A sessions. Experts and participants will be invited from international organizations, academia, and IGOs/NGOs working in the area of climate change and meteorology. Webinar will be hosted in hybrid mode from COMSATS Secretariat.