SBY warns of climate change fallout
SBY warns of climate change fallout
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday warned Indonesians to brace for the adverse impacts of global climate change.
Addressing the commemoration of World Meteorology Day here, Yudhoyono said signs of climate change were already upon the world, as indicated by the high incidence of major natural disasters -- 70 incidents between November 2004 and March 2007.
"I warn everyone to be on alert for the impacts of global climate change on life, security and welfare," the President said in his speech, adding that weather conditions and crop cycles would likely be effected.
Yudhoyono said Indonesians had the ability to live with recurrent disasters, given the country's geographical position.
"I am not trying to scare (Indonesians). But what we have to do is physically and mentally prepare for the threats," he said.
The President ordered the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) to study changes in environmental conditions and deliver accurate information to the public on possible disasters.
Indonesia has been the victim of a string of natural disasters, some of which have been said to be the result of climate change.
In January, Jakarta suffered from severe downpours and floods after a lengthy dry period in what should have been the rainy season.
Earlier this month, a landslide killed 43 people in Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, traditionally known as a dry province.
Most scientists now agree average global temperatures will rise by between two and six degrees Celsius by the end of the century. It is believed this process is being driven by an atmospheric build up of greenhouse gases, which are commonly released in the burning of fossil fuels for power and transportation purposes.
With a mere rise of two degrees, scientists predict a massive upsurge in species extinction and extreme weather events such as storms, droughts and floods. This could potentially threaten hundreds of millions of lives around the world. Under forecasts, polar icecaps will melt, raising sea levels by several meters.
Chairwoman of BMG, Sri Woro Harijono, said Indonesians must understand that they live in a disaster zone.
"The people here should always be prepared to face all types of disasters, be they earthquakes, floods, volcanic activities or tsunamis," Sri Woro said.
During the ceremony, the President presented awards to local administrations and the media for their contribution to informing the public on the risks posed by climate change.
The provincial governments of Central Java, Gorontalo and West Sumatra, as well as Nabire regency, all received awards.
Award recipients from the media were private TV station Metro TV, state-run TV station TVRI, Kompas, Media Indonesia and private radio stations Elshinta and Trijaya F
©Jakarta Post
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday warned Indonesians to brace for the adverse impacts of global climate change.
Addressing the commemoration of World Meteorology Day here, Yudhoyono said signs of climate change were already upon the world, as indicated by the high incidence of major natural disasters -- 70 incidents between November 2004 and March 2007.
"I warn everyone to be on alert for the impacts of global climate change on life, security and welfare," the President said in his speech, adding that weather conditions and crop cycles would likely be effected.
Yudhoyono said Indonesians had the ability to live with recurrent disasters, given the country's geographical position.
"I am not trying to scare (Indonesians). But what we have to do is physically and mentally prepare for the threats," he said.
The President ordered the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) to study changes in environmental conditions and deliver accurate information to the public on possible disasters.
Indonesia has been the victim of a string of natural disasters, some of which have been said to be the result of climate change.
In January, Jakarta suffered from severe downpours and floods after a lengthy dry period in what should have been the rainy season.
Earlier this month, a landslide killed 43 people in Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, traditionally known as a dry province.
Most scientists now agree average global temperatures will rise by between two and six degrees Celsius by the end of the century. It is believed this process is being driven by an atmospheric build up of greenhouse gases, which are commonly released in the burning of fossil fuels for power and transportation purposes.
With a mere rise of two degrees, scientists predict a massive upsurge in species extinction and extreme weather events such as storms, droughts and floods. This could potentially threaten hundreds of millions of lives around the world. Under forecasts, polar icecaps will melt, raising sea levels by several meters.
Chairwoman of BMG, Sri Woro Harijono, said Indonesians must understand that they live in a disaster zone.
"The people here should always be prepared to face all types of disasters, be they earthquakes, floods, volcanic activities or tsunamis," Sri Woro said.
During the ceremony, the President presented awards to local administrations and the media for their contribution to informing the public on the risks posed by climate change.
The provincial governments of Central Java, Gorontalo and West Sumatra, as well as Nabire regency, all received awards.
Award recipients from the media were private TV station Metro TV, state-run TV station TVRI, Kompas, Media Indonesia and private radio stations Elshinta and Trijaya F
©Jakarta Post
Every cloud has a silver lining
