Workshop on Climate ‘Regional Climate Modeling using PRECIS’ begins at BUET

Bangladesh is recognized as the most vulnerable country in the world to the impacts of global warming and climate change. It is now a national demand to understand and predict the future climate. Hence, developing capacity to simulate, interpret and analyze future climate using climate models at a regional scale has become essential. The UK Met Office, in collaboration with the Climate Change Study Cell (CCSC) of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), is organizing a five-day long training workshop on ‘Regional Climate Modeling using PRECIS’, which was inaugurated on 14 Feb at the Council Bhaban of BUET. The workshop, funded by UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), is bringing together more than 20 participants from relevant organizations to discuss climate modeling and impact prediction.

PRECIS (Providing Regional Climates for Impacts Studies) is a regional climate simulation model, which is expected to be instrumental to enhance Bangladesh’s capacity on climate change modeling. The major objectives of the workshop are to: (i) build capacity to understand and simulate climate change models and scenarios, (ii) develop capacity to analyze and interpret output from climate models, and (iii) create awareness about climate change risks and facilitate incorporation of climatic risks in development planning. Prof. Dr. A.M.M. Safiullah, Honorable Vice-Chancellor of BUET, was present at the inaugural session as the Chief Guest. Prof. Dr. M. Habibur Rahman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of BUET and Mr. Jim McAlpine, Senior Program Manager, DFID, UK were present as Special Guests. The inaugural session was chaired by Prof. Dr. M. Shah Alam Khan, Director of the Institute of Water and Flood Management, BUET. Prof. Dr. A.M.M. Safiullah in his speech recognized the importance of climate prediction and maintaining linkages among relevant organizations and universities. Prof. Safiullah also stressed on providing capabilities and opportunities for climate system modeling and research.

Special Guest of the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Habibur Rahman, emphasized on the need for a holistic approach toward climate impact studies and hoped that similar collaboration will continue in future. Special Guest Mr. Jim McAlpine assured continued support from DFID to meet the national demand for capacity building on climate change modeling. Mr. McAlpine said that climate change is perhaps the most critical long-term challenge that Bangladesh faces. It is also an issue for us all to tackle together. He also mentioned that DFID’s support for the Climate Change Study Cell and this workshop is part of a £75m HMG commitment to help Bangladesh implement its Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. Dr. Balakrishnan Bhaskaran, Manager, Climate Services, Met Office Hadley Centre, UK, outlined the rationale for this training emphasizing that research is the first step towards creating awareness and towards adaptation to strengthen the resilience of human, social and natural systems to the likely impact of climate change. Dr. AKM Saiful Islam, Coordinator of CCSC, welcomed the guests and elaborated scopes of the training workshop. Dr. Islam also said that mitigation and adaptation policy has to be in coherence with the reality of the political, social, economic and environmental changes ongoing in Bangladesh.

In closing remarks, Prof. Dr. M. Shah Alam Khan said that it is now time for action rather than just discussion and planning while recognizing the challenges like environmental degradation and disaster management that Bangladesh has been facing for a long time. Climate change impacts and the demand for renewable energy will make these challenges more severe for the poor and disadvantaged people. Prof. Khan thanked everyone for their encouragement and participation.