‘Women lead the fight against climate change’
Climate change causes natural disasters such as floods and droughts, cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons, and wildfires and it affects ecosystems, biodiversity, agriculture and health, and economy.
HINDIYA AL-ASHEPY
Benghazi –Libya is one of the countries in North Africa heavily affected by climate change. Rising temperatures, drought, and reduced rainfall pose a threat to the sustainability of water supplies in the country.
“Libya has achieved no progress or development in implementing necessary programs and strategies to reduce the risks of climate change and mitigate its effects, such as desertification, marine pollution and marine pollution,” said Manal Kamel, a researcher at the Libyan Academy for Graduate Studies, stressing that Middle Eastern and North African countries, including Libya, have witnessed the severe effects of climate change on air and sea temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns.
“The heavy flooding caused by Storm Daniel killed thousands, destroyed thousands of houses and swept away entire neighborhoods in multiple coastal towns with the eastern city of Derna.”
‘Libya has no necessary research centers to study the effects of climate change’
Libya has no necessary research centers to study on the effects of climate change and natural disasters caused by it despite the warnings, Manal Kamel stressed. Speaking about the flooding caused by Storm Daniel, she said, “Libya does not have sufficient experts to study these natural diseases and reduce their risks.”
Role of women in raising awareness
Speaking about the role of women in raising awareness about the dangers of climate change, during natural diseases and crises, she said, “Women lead the fight against climate change. They are the most active group during disasters and crises. During the flooding caused by Storm Daniel, they united and launched initiatives in cooperation with local and international organizations to provide support to survivors of Storm Daniel. They have held awareness-raising activities about the dangers of climate change.”
Manal Kamel also called on Libyan authorities to enact environmental laws to protect the environment and reduce pollution, “They should hold activities, seminars and workshops to raise awareness about the effects of climate change.”