The importance of early warning systems that provide real-time data can’t be overlooked as it plays an instrumental role in informing and getting the communities alert of unprecedented eventualities. These systems are key in saving lives and livelihoods by enabling communities to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate-related crises.
Ms. Hanna Tetteh, the UN Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, during a visit to the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), urged on the need to strengthen ongoing efforts in addressing the intersection of climate, peace, and security in the region.
Ms. Hanna Tetteh emphasized the need for strengthened collaboration across the region on climate security during her courtesy call to the IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC).
Notably, Eastern Africa has become a global leader in developing advanced early warning systems, spearheaded by IGAD’s specialized institutions like ICPAC. The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) provides important climate services, including forecasting and early warnings, which play an important role in addressing climate-related risks.
Her visit highlighted the collaboration between the United Nations and regional bodies like IGAD in promoting climate resilience and peacebuilding. This is crucial since Eastern Africa faces increasing threats from climate-related risks, and the increased need for coordinated action now more than ever.
“Climate change is a critical driver of conflict in the Horn of Africa, and our partnership with world-class institutions such as ICPAC is essential in strengthening early warning systems that provide real-time data. These systems are key in saving lives and livelihoods by enabling communities to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate-related crises before they escalate,” said Ms. Hanna Tetteh.
According to ICPAC Officer-in-Charge Dr. Abdi Fidar, this partnership between ICPAC and the UN is key to advancing a conversation around climate security in the Greater Horn of Africa.
“Our early warning systems play a key role in addressing the impacts of climate change on peace and security in the region. Today’s visit by Ms. Tetteh reaffirms our shared commitment to using data-driven solutions to build resilience and promote long-term stability,” said Mr. Abdi.
Together with IGAD’s Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN), which monitors conflict scenarios and formulates response options, the region has enhanced its ability to assess risks related to climate, peace, and security.
Focus Areas of the Courtesy Call:
1. Enhancing Climate Security: Ms. Tetteh’s visit underscores the importance of addressing climate as a key driver of conflict in the IGAD region. She acknowledges ICPAC’s contributions to the broader IGAD efforts, especially its climate services that inform peacebuilding strategies.
2. Collaboration Across Institutions in the Horn of Africa: The visit highlighted the synergy between institutions in the region in addressing security and climate-related challenges By combining data from both institutions, the region is better equipped to predict and respond to conflict outcomes linked to climate stressors, such as natural hazards and resource scarcity.
3. Scaling Early Warning Systems: ICPAC’s ability to provide timely and accurate climate information has been instrumental in mitigating the impacts of climate-related disasters. Ms. Te the importance of these early warning systems, which not only support disaster preparedness but also inform conflict prevention efforts across Eastern Africa.
As the region grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and conflict, IGAD institutions like ICPAC are at the forefront of building resilience through data-driven solutions that offer early warning systems. Ms. Tetteh’s visit marks a significant moment in strengthening the climate-security nexus in the Horn of Africa.
