Title

Briefing of ambassadors on climate information services
Integration of Climate Information and Climate Information Services (CIS) into policy and practice
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
UN conference center

Introduction

The African Climate Policy Centre of ECA will organize an outreach event on "Integration of Climate Information and Climate Information and Services into policy and practices" on Wednesday, 6 December 2017 from 10:30 to 11:30m at the United Nations Conference Centre in Addis Ababa.

The economic development and growth of Africa depends heavily on climate-sensitive sectors and natural resources. Global warming continues to bring about an increase in the costs of adaptation across the continent at an annual average that is estimated to be between 1.5 and 3 per cent of gross domestic product. This phenomenon threatens to undermine the achievement of both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the aspirations articulated in Agenda 2063. To sustain the growth trajectory of Africa and to build resilience for sustainable development, an enhanced ability to adapt, plan and manage climate-induced risks is required.

The availability of climate information services and the timely use of climate information are critical to maintaining the continent's steady economic growth. Such information contributes to efforts focused on limiting the impact of climate change. The use of relevant climate data and information has the potential to boost agricultural productivity, foster an effective public health environment, enable the deployment of different types of renewable energy technologies. and enhance investments by factoring in climate issues for resilience and sustainability.

Objectives

  1. Heighten awareness in the African diplomatic community of the value and centrality of climate information and climate information services in development planning, programmes and investments;
  2. Apprise the African diplomatic community of strategies on integrating climate information and climate information services more effectively into policies and plans;
  3. Share information on the pivotal role that climate information services have the potential to fulfil, in planning the implementation of the 2030 Agenda., Agenda 2063 and the Paris Agreement.