Chad has published its first CAP warning and begun sharing real-time climate data internationally, significantly enhancing its climate resilience. Supported by the WMO, this initiative addresses many challenges faced by African meteorological services, which often lack functional resources. By leveraging open-source tools, Chad’s progress sets a precedent for other nations, promoting better data sharing and improved climate service delivery throughout the region.
Chad has achieved a significant milestone by issuing its first CAP warning and commencing international data sharing to enhance its climate resilience and early warning systems. This initiative, supported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), represents a pivotal advancement for Chad, showcasing the effectiveness of digital tools and capacity-building efforts. Recent assessments reveal that a considerable portion of African National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) struggle with functional challenges, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and technological capabilities in climate service delivery.
As of early 2024, it was reported that 60% of NMHSs in Africa did not possess a functional website, and a staggering 30% lacked any web presence. Furthermore, nearly 37% had not issued any weather warnings during the six months prior, emphasizing a critical gap in necessary weather and climate information availability. Many Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) on the continent also faced systemic issues, as most were unable to relay data to global centers due to incompatible software and fragmented systems. Thus, Chad’s recent progress stands as a beacon of hope for the region.
Moreover, the collaboration between WMO and Chad’s meteorological agency, Agence Nationale de la Météorologie – Météo Tchad (ANAM), over the last year has spurred substantial improvements in climate services. This transformation included upgrading communication platforms, enhancing product dissemination, and modernizing the observation networks to facilitate real-time data sharing. The culmination of these efforts was observed during a mission conducted from October 14 to 18, 2024, which provided essential technical assistance and training in climate data handling.
This recent mission led to the publication of Chad’s inaugural CAP warnings, marking a significant leap forward in the nation’s capability to provide early warning services. With the initiation of real-time data transmission from 19 AWS to the WMO Information System (WIS2.0), Chad is now able to contribute valuable meteorological data to global weather forecasts and international monitoring initiatives. This achievement is particularly notable as previously, none of Chad’s 59 AWS contributed to the global data pool.
Chad’s technological transformation is heavily reliant on innovative open-source tools developed by WMO, including ClimWeb and CAP Composer. These resources have provided Chad with improved capacities for managing and communicating climate services effectively. Additionally, WIS2Box has streamlined the integration of data from diverse AWS systems, enabling seamless global data sharing. And so, Chad’s remarkable progress underscores a larger digital transformation movement, encouraging other African nations to adopt similar practices and overcome their respective infrastructural limitations.
In conclusion, Chad’s recent accomplishments in publishing CAP warnings and initiating international data exchange signify a revolutionary step toward enhanced climate resilience in Africa. By leveraging digital technology and collaborative efforts, NMHSs in the region are better equipped to deliver timely weather information, ultimately fostering stronger communal resilience against climate-related hazards. Chad’s success can inspire neighboring countries to engage in similar transformative initiatives, thereby promoting a future where accurate weather data significantly contribute to climate safety and sustainability for all.
The advent of digital tools and structured frameworks like CAP (Common Alerting Protocol) has been increasingly recognized as vital for improving weather and climate resilience in regions significantly impacted by these challenges. In Africa, many National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) have faced historical difficulties accessing technology, resulting in a critical lack of timely warning systems. According to recent statistics, a significant percentage of these services experience dysfunctional operations, directly impeding their ability to safeguard vulnerable populations against climate threats. Thus, the partnership between WMO and local agencies has been paramount in structuring solutions and enhancing transparency and efficiency in climate service delivery.
The developments in Chad’s meteorological capabilities reflect a broader commitment to utilizing digital innovation in addressing climate challenges. The publication of CAP warnings signifies not only a national achievement but also sets an encouraging precedent for neighboring African countries grappling with similar issues. Through strengthened cooperation, enhanced technical capacities, and seamless data exchange, the path toward improved climate resilience and disaster readiness becomes more evident, ultimately fostering a safer future for the entire region.
Original Source: www.preventionweb.net
