Presidential Adviser on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene said significant modification of strategies, infrastructure, systems and practices will be needed to withstand the effects of Climate Change. He said appropriate adaptation measures for infrastructure and the overall system’s ability to cope in extreme weather event situations should be carefully assessed in view of emerging risks.
Addressing the fourth South Asia Hydromet Forum (SAHF) held in Colombo recently, Wijewardene said: “Today’s gathering underscores our united stand against one of our era’s most daunting challenges: climate change and its intensifying impacts on socio- economic development and growth. South Asia is increasingly at the frontline of this battle.”
He said Sri Lanka, significantly affected by weather-related losses, incurred damages nearing US$7 billion from 1990 to 2018. Looking ahead, we face an even starker reality: by 2050, an expected 7.7 percent GDP decline in Sri Lanka could translate to a loss of US$50 billion, with 87 percent of our population potentially facing extreme weather conditions.
Wijewardene said extreme weather events, ranging from torrential rains to severe droughts, have drastically impacted Sri Lanka’s infrastructure, economy, and citizens’ lives and livelihoods natural environment. The ramifications on our economy are profound, particularly in the agricultural sector, which has suffered greatly due to variability of the rainfall.
This brings into sharp focus the indispensable role of Hydro met services. The improvement of hydro-met services, which offer real-time weather, water, and climate information and early warnings for communities and sectors, is critical to minimize climate impacts, he said. He said “Acknowledging the climate and environmental challenges, Sri Lanka is committed to bolstering its resilience. We’ve woven climate actions into our national agenda, actively enhancing our capabilities to prepare and respond to the adverse impacts. Our Climate Prosperity Plan, focused on amplifying renewable energy and leveraging nature-based solutions for resilience, aligns with our National Adaptation Plan, charting a course for a climate-resilient future.”
Solidarity and cooperation are essential on our path forward. Climate change, a crisis without borders, demands a collective response. Sri Lanka, embracing this reality, initiated the Tropical Belt Initiative at COP28, targeting the unique challenges of global warming and championing sustainable development for tropical nations. Furthering our commitment, we are proud to collaborate with the Maldives in establishing the International Climate Change University, a vital institution for capacity building and advancing climate science, he said.
Forums like SAHF are critical in nurturing a collaborative spirit. By pooling our knowledge and resources, we can collectively enhance our readiness for climate change. Sri Lanka’s experience with the Climate Resilience Multi Phase Program (Cres MPA) platform, aimed at mitigating flood risks in the Kelani basin and enhancing weather forecasts and early warnings nationwide, offers valuable lessons. We look forward to sharing our insights and equally enthusiastic to learn from our neighboring countries’ successes, he said.
