High-Definition Clean Energy, Climate, and Weather Forecasts for the Philippines
High-Definition Clean Energy, Climate, and Weather Forecasts for the Philippines (ECW) project aims to address the present climate emergency by providing weather and climate information to support communities to enhance their climate and disaster risk resilience, and for clean energy development.
Description
The complexity of tropical weather systems makes it difficult to predict extreme weather events that have adverse effects to communities in low-level areas. Thus, the extent of potential damage and determining affected areas of an event such as flooding is a very challenging endeavor. This project aims to extend the knowledge on tropical weather through observations using automated weather stations that are incorporated to weather forecasts generated by weather prediction models. In addition, it produces climate projections that can serve as risk assessments in aiding vulnerable communities adapt to the changes in the climate.
It aims to build capacity on weather observations and adaptation measures on disasters caused by climate extremes and produce publicly-accessible daily clean energy potential power production to promote mitigation measures and weather outlook for disaster preparedness.
With a long term objective to transition the economy to sustainable energy systems and build capacity to adapt to the changing climate, the project encourages the development of clean energy systems such as solar and wind power that will help address the climate emergency and determine adaptation mechanisms to be implemented that is appropriate to the communities.
Did the Sendai Framework change or contribute to changes in your activities/organization? If so, how?
As an institution that focuses on weather forecasting, the Manila Observatory both contributes to and is guided by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, particularly the target G to increase availability and access to early warning systems.
This project is also one of the good practices of ARISE, the Private Sector Alliance for Disaster the Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies. It addresses two ARISE commitments, namely, raising awareness with respect to disaster risk and mobilization of private sector, and sharing knowledge, experience and good practices amongst the private sector.
What led you to make this commitment/initiative?
What was your position before making this Voluntary Commitment / prior to the Sendai Framework?
The Manila Observatory is a private non-stock, non-profit, scientific research institution established in 1865 by the Jesuit mission in the Philippines and was engaged in the systematic observation of Philippine weather.
At the turn of the 21st century, the Observatory finds itself at the nexus of global concerns for environment and development. With its tradition of excellence and service in scientific research, the Observatory envisions itself as a vital partner in these critically global yet locally relevant concerns. Through its present research programs, the Observatory now actively confronts these new challenges through a science that must inform and guide the shaping of a safe and sustainable future for humankind.
Deliverables and Progress report
Deliverables
Deliverables are the end-products of the initiative/commitment, which can include issuance of publications or knowledge products, outcomes of workshops, training programs, videos, links, photographs, etc.
Operation and maintenance of automated weather station (AWS) network through partnerships with other stakeholders such as Metro Weather, the Climate Resilience Network, and Ateneo.
An automated weather forecast system to support clean energy forecasting namely for solar and wind energy for the entire Philippines.
Extreme weather bulletins provide people with information about extreme events such as tropical cyclones, extreme rainfall or heat, and potential risks to vulnerable areas exposed to such hazards.
Extreme Weather Bulletins or EWBs are disseminated to stakeholders and made public via MO Facebook page and MO Panahon website.
Downscaled high-resolution projects for regions of complex topography and marine conditions.
Decadal projections of the changes in Philippine climate are also available on the web.
Training, capacity building, research and publication to raise awareness and share knowledge on weather, climate and disaster resilience.
Organizations and focal points
Implementing Organization(s)
Focal points
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