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Brdo pri Kranju – Adapting to climate change is no longer an option, but a necessity, and cooperation between countries is also important, was one of the messages from participants at a press conference on the sidelines of the mid-year ministerial conference on adapting to climate change in Southeast Europe. That Slovenia plays a central and active role in the field of adaptation in the southeastern region, which is therefore considered a so-called hot spot where countries face increasing extreme events, was also highlighted by the Executive Director of the European Environment Agency (EEA) Leena Ylä-Mononen.
Based on data analyses prepared by the EEA, she again warned about the necessity of state actions in the field of reducing risks for climate change. She also highlighted the importance of cooperation at different levels.
Slovenia very early understood the importance of connecting sectors and a systematic approach to solving the climate crisis and its consequences that we face, highlighted the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Andrea Celeste Saulo at the conference in which more than 130 experts and politicians are participating. “At the meeting, we were able to hear from different countries what their needs are and how we can cooperate and what WMO can do to support the countries,” she said.
In light of the increasing number of extreme weather events, preparedness for them and cooperation between countries in this field is essential. “The Slovenian Environment Agency is well prepared to participate in the expansion of early warning capabilities for natural disasters in the region,” she assessed and promised continued WMO support for countries in adapting to climate change. “The goal is to support all countries and their early warning systems. These save lives, but they must be available to everyone,” she warned.
The host of the conference, Minister of the Environment Bojan Kumer, said that this is the first and groundbreaking meeting of key decision-makers in addressing climate change in Southeast Europe. “For the first time in history, ministers and heads of meteorological and hydrological services in Southeast Europe are observing what is happening, exchanging good practices, and connecting science. It is essential that political decision-makers are also with us. Only united can we effectively address these challenges in the future,” he emphasized and expressed hope that this will become a regular platform for exchanging experiences in the future. (February 5)