World Meteorology Day - Youths Mobilised On Climate Change

The 54th edition of the World Meteorology Day was celebrated on Sunday March 23 in Yaounde. Youths between the ages of 15-24 years represent an important part in the world's population. About 85 per cent of these youths live in developing countries and constitute the main victims of climate change and extreme meteorological phenomenon. At the same time, they are called to face the challenges today and in future. It is in this light that the 54th edition of the World Meteorology Day was celebrated on Sunday March 23, 2014 in Yaounde.

In his declaration on the occasion of the day on Friday March 21, 2014, the Minister of Transport, Robert Nkili, called on youths to be prepared to face climate change and take an active part in the surveillance, understanding of the weather and climate today and tomorrow. Through this, they can be associated in taking decisions which will influence the present and future generations. Robert Nkili further said the government is living no stone unturned in the fight against climate change and to assure a healthy and sustainable environment for the future generation. He said the government encourages the implication of youths in this common fight. In effect, measures are being taken by the government and the Ministry of Higher Education to institute and develop the training of meteorology in the country, on the one hand, and facilitated by the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, the introduction into the public service through proficiency examination in meteorology in the different cycles,on the other hand.

The objective of the day was to bring out the role of young people in curbing environments hazards. The day also highlights the huge contribution that National Meteorological and Hydrological Services make to the safety and well-being of society.