Antigua and Barbuda continues to strengthen its capacity to prepare for and respond to climate-related hazards through the exchange of knowledge, technology and best practices with international partners.
Technical Officer with the Department of Environment (DOE), Zariya Russell, and Communications Officer in the Ministry of Health, J’noure Smith-Kellman, recently participated in a two-week seminar in the People’s Republic of China focused on early warning systems and climate change adaptation.
The seminar provided participants with an opportunity to examine China’s approaches to climate risk management, disaster preparedness and the use of technology to strengthen early warning and response mechanisms. Discussions also highlighted the importance of ensuring that scientific information is translated into timely, accessible and actionable warnings for communities.
Among the key areas explored were climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, meteorological monitoring and forecasting, early warning systems, climate information services, emergency preparedness and response, and the use of technology and innovation to strengthen resilience.
Participants were also exposed to China’s experience in integrating early warning information into decision-making and preparedness measures. Particular attention was placed on the importance of coordinated systems that bring together technical agencies, government institutions and communities before, during and after hazardous events.
For Antigua and Barbuda, these areas are particularly relevant as a Small Island Developing State that remains vulnerable to hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, sea-level rise and other climate-related hazards.
The seminar also provided an opportunity for participants to consider how international experiences and technological advances can inform national approaches to climate adaptation and disaster preparedness.
The participation of Russell and Smith-Kellman provided an opportunity for Antigua and Barbuda to gain further insight into approaches that can contribute to national climate resilience, while also strengthening professional knowledge and international cooperation.
For the Department of Environment, the experience contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen climate change adaptation, environmental resilience and the use of climate information in national planning and decision-making.
For the Ministry of Health, the training also underscores the importance of effective communication in ensuring that information about environmental and climate-related risks reaches the public in a clear, timely and accessible manner.
The knowledge gained through the seminar will support continued collaboration among government agencies and stakeholders as Antigua and Barbuda advances efforts to strengthen preparedness, improve public awareness and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Officials Gain Climate Resilience Training in China.