The inaugural issue describes current efforts that are helping societies better adapt, and shows that when climate information successfully reaches vulnerable populations, it can be used to improve livelihoods and economies, and even save lives.
The publication was the result of a partnership among IRI, the Africa Union, UN-Economic Commission for Africa, the Africa Development Bank and the Global Climate Observing System. It was supported by the U.K. Department for International Development and U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in response to the G8 Gleneagles Summit focus on climate and sustainable development in Africa. A draft of the report was presented at the 12th UNFCCC Conference of the Parties, in Nairobi. The report was launched on January 30th, 2007 during a special session on Climate Change of the 8th African Union Heads-of-State Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
It details five examples of how climate risks are being effectively managed in Africa:
- Food security in Ethiopia
- Flood risk management in Mozambique
- Malaria management in Southern Africa
- Agrometeorology in Mali
- Drought insurance in Malawi
Each is a case where national authorities, project developers or private-sector operators have recognized the value of climate information and have sought to integrate it into their decision-making. The report and associated policy briefing highlights the urgent need to integrate climate information and knowledge into broader development efforts.
