"Climate Change is the Greatest Threat to Mankind" Says Governor Sanneh

Mr. Lamin Sanneh, the Governor of the Western Region has stated that climate change has become the greatest threat to mankind and as such deserves greater attention otherwise the consequences would be disastrous.

Governor Sanneh was speaking at the opening of a one-day sensitisation forum for farmers on weather and climate change, on Wednesday 8th July 2009, held at the Governor's Bantaba in Brikama. The forum, funded by the Spanish Meteorological Agency, in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organisation was implemented by the National Water Resources.

According to Governor Sanneh, climate change underlines both previous achievements and threatens future development initiatives. He noted that the forum seeks to build an experience and generate a more comprehensive package for monitoring and interpreting climate change.

"Since the weather and climate are not stagnant overtime, the partnership if established would require a solid foundation as it has to stay for a very long time", he stated.

For his part, Mr. Lamin Mai Touray, the Senior Meteorologist underscored the importance of the forum, stating that with flood, drought and windstorm is bound to increase frequency and intensify if serious attention is not given to the climate.

"I have no doubt farmers have good skills in observing and interpreting the climate, through the changes that occur in their immediate surroundings", he added.

He pointed out that relying on someone else to provide food is a major risk, especially now that weather and climate issues come into play.

According to him, the relationship between farmers, weather and climate services in the sub-region have proven to be of immense benefits.

He therefore called on local government authorities to give their fullest support to this effort, although it involves investment of resources, including saving lives, livelihoods and properties and enhancing production.