31 Aug 2011

Four Pacific forecasters begin climate change programme in Barbados

6:58 am on 31 August 2011

A weather forecaster from Papua New Guinea will join three other meteorological observers for an extensive climate training programme in Barbados, starting this month.

Representatives from Samoa, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands will join Konny Nato, from Papua New Guinea's Weather Service, on an eight-month training course at the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology.

This will be followed by a two-month work attachment in a Caribbean met office.

Mr Nato says the programme aims to strengthen meteorological services throughout the Pacific.

"The project itself is looking at the effects of climate change and disaster risk management on small islands. We Pacific Island nations are facing the effects of climate change."

Mr Nato says deforestation plays a big role in climate change in PNG.

The project is coordinated and funded by the United Nations development Programme, and the World Meteorology Organisation.