Brdo pri Kranju – During a press conference held alongside the mid-year ministerial meeting on climate change adaptation in Southeast Europe, participants emphasized that adapting to climate change is not merely an option but a critical necessity. The importance of international collaboration was also underscored. Leena Ylä-Mononen, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency (EEA), noted Slovenia’s pivotal and proactive role in climate adaptation within the southeastern region, which is increasingly affected by severe weather events.
Drawing from data analyses conducted by the EEA, Ylä-Mononen reiterated the urgent need for government action to mitigate the risks associated with climate change. She also stressed the importance of collaborative efforts across various levels of governance.
Andrea Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), highlighted Slovenia’s early recognition of the need for cross-sector connectivity and a systematic approach to tackling the climate crisis and its repercussions. With over 130 experts and political figures in attendance, she noted, “We were able to hear from different countries regarding their needs and explore how we might collaborate while determining what the WMO can do to assist.”
As extreme weather events continue to rise, the need for preparedness and inter-country cooperation becomes increasingly vital. Saulo commended the Slovenian Environment Agency for its readiness to enhance early warning systems for natural disasters in the region, assuring ongoing WMO support for nations adapting to climate change. “Our objective is to assist all countries in developing their early warning systems. Such systems are lifesaving and must be accessible to everyone,” she cautioned.
Minister of the Environment Bojan Kumer, the conference host, referred to the event as a pioneering gathering of key decision-makers addressing climate change in Southeast Europe. “For the first time in history, ministers and heads of meteorological and hydrological services in the region are coming together to observe current conditions, share best practices, and integrate scientific insights. It is crucial that political leaders join us in this endeavor. Only through unity can we tackle these challenges effectively in the future,” he stated, expressing his hope that this meeting will evolve into a regular platform for experience sharing. (February 5)
Leave a Reply