DOHA: Speakers at a workshop at the Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) yesterday called for an action plan to minimise the impact of disasters resulting from climate change on the Gulf region.
The workshop titled ‘reducing the impact and risks of climate change in the Arabian Gulf, is taking place ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference that begins here tomorrow.
Some 35 delegates representing a range of governmental and non-governmental organisations, universities and civil society groups from Qatar and other Gulf countries are attending the workshop, which will conclude tomorrow.
In his opening address, QRC’s Secretary General Saleh Ali Al Mohannadi said, the aim of this workshop, held in conjunction with United Nations Climate Change Conference was to share experiences and learn from the specialists.
“We must work out a plan of action for programmes to minimise the impact of disasters resulting from climate change in the Arabian Gulf in the fields of the National Societies of the Red Crescent and Red Cross in order to help mitigate the effects on the vulnerable communities who are most affected by such disasters ,” said Al Mohannadi.
The workshop discusses several topics including the potential repercussions of climate change in the region and setting priorities to address the consequences of these threat to mitigate the effects of the disasters linked to climate change on the vulnerable communities through the development of programs, strategies and appropriate activities.
Climate change makes humanitarian work more difficult and the Gulf region is witnessing increased temperatures, a rise in sea levels and increased rates and intensity of sandstorms, meaning that it is imperative for organisations involved in humanitarian work and relief to make efforts not just to keep up with the changes, but to be proactive in their efforts.
QRC intends the workshop to be a gesture of motivation to work as a team with associations, Gulf-governmental institutions and non-governmental organisations to launch a programme to reduce the risk of climate change on the Gulf region. QRC will participate with a large number of experts and specialists in the area of disaster and humanitarian action at the Climate Change Conference in Doha. The Peninsula
