Africa Climate Conference 2013

Africa is the continent most vulnerable to natural variations in our climate and human-induced climate change, and to associated extremes like droughts and floods. There is an urgent need to strengthen scientific understanding of the present and future climate and ensure that this knowledge is available and relevant to decision makers. The Africa Climate Conference 2013 (ACC2013) in Arusha, Tanzania, 15-18 October, aims to strengthen the relationship between the scientific and policy-making communities. It is expected to result in a set of concrete research proposals to address critical gaps in our understanding of the African climate system and to strengthen the science base for decision-making on the continent for the rest of the 21st Century. The Africa Climate Conference isorganized under the auspices of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), the African Climate Policy Center (ACPC) and the University of Dar Es Salaam. The first of its kind, the conference brings together more than 300 stakeholders from Africa and around the world (Programme) The Conference will be opened by H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. World Meteorological Organization Deputy Secretary-General Jerry Lengoasa is guest speaker, with an address on "Defining a Common Climate Research Agenda for Africa: Addressing Priority Research Gaps to deliver Relevant Climate Services for End-Users in Africa." WMO is spearheading the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) which aims to improve the provision of climate services like seasonal forecasts and drought monitors to end-users in key sectors such as agriculture and food production, water resources management, disaster risk reduction and health. Special emphasis is being given to the needs of the most vulnerable countries and societies.