2006年VOA标准英语-UN-backed Group Links Climate Information To Af

By Lisa Schlein
Geneva
19 December 2006

The Global Climate Observing System, an organization sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization, is launching an initiative to provide vital climate information for development needs in Africa. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from Geneva.

World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

The Global Climate Observing System says widespread poverty makes Africa particularly vulnerable to climate change. An official with the organization, William Westermeyer, says most natural disasters that occur in Africa are related to weather, climate and water.

"African countries and people are subject to severe drought, flooding, food shortages and disease. And, most of these natural disasters are related to climate. Africa is also lagging [behind] the rest of the world in terms of development. So, a key aim is to achieve the Millennium¹ Development Goals and to improve the quality of life for millions of Africans. Climate change and development are clearly linked," he said.

The U.N.-sponsored Millennium Development Goals aim to cut worldwide poverty in half by 2015. Africa is far behind in reaching that target. The new strategy plans to provide vital climate information to countries in Africa. This will help them better manage the crises, such as severe drought and flooding, that are likely to occur because of climate change.

For instance, Westermeyer says farmers who are aware a drought is predicted will be better able to cope. They will know when to plant their crop. They will know what kind of crop would be best suited for dry weather. He says advance information would also help lessen² the impact of some diseases. "With regard to health, malaria³ is a very big thing. And, it turns out with better climate information, particularly knowing about things like the onset⁴ of a new El Nino for example, you can predict where malaria outbreaks are likely to occur several months in advance. With better information, that can help you prepare those areas to avoid the worst impacts," he said.

Westermeyer says the strengthened monitoring system will also help governments make better climate-related decisions and reduce risks. He says the 10-year program, which will be African-led, will cost around $200 million.  He says it is supported by the African Union and the U.N. Economic Commission for Africa.

1 millennium   

n.一千年，千禧年；太平盛世

参考例句：

• The whole world was counting down to the new millennium.全世界都在倒计时迎接新千年的到来。
• We waited as the clock ticked away the last few seconds of the old millennium.我们静候着时钟滴答走过千年的最后几秒钟。

2 lessen   

vt.减少，减轻；缩小

参考例句：

• Regular exercise can help to lessen the pain.经常运动有助于减轻痛感。
• They've made great effort to lessen the noise of planes.他们尽力减小飞机的噪音。

3 malaria   

n.疟疾

参考例句：

• He had frequent attacks of malaria.他常患疟疾。
• Malaria is a kind of serious malady.疟疾是一种严重的疾病。

4 onset   

n.进攻，袭击，开始，突然开始

参考例句：

• The drug must be taken from the onset of the infection.这种药必须在感染的最初期就开始服用。
• Our troops withstood the onset of the enemy.我们的部队抵挡住了敌人的进攻。