NIES Hosts JICA Trainees for Climate Change Adaptation Workshop

Event	JICA FY2024 Thematic Training Course on Climate Change Adaptation
Date	20 September 2024
Place	National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Tsukuba, Japan
Organizers	Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center, Japan (OECC)

The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) recently welcomed a cohort of international trainees under the auspices of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center (OECC). This diverse group, comprising 11 professionals from Egypt, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Tuvalu, Pakistan, Vanuatu, Philippines, and Jordan, participated in an intensive workshop focused on climate change research and adaptation strategies.

The day-long program was structured into three pivotal sessions, each designed to provide comprehensive insights into different aspects of climate change science and adaptation.

In the opening session, the Deputy Director of the Social Systems Division delivered an illuminating lecture on the latest findings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This presentation delved into cutting-edge methodologies for assessing climate change vulnerability, setting the stage for the practical applications to follow.

The second session, led by the Head of the Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Research Section at NIES's Center for Climate Change Adaptation, introduced participants to two groundbreaking platforms: the Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Information Platform (AP-PLAT) and its Japanese counterpart, A-PLAT.

The highlight of this segment was an interactive demonstration of ClimoCast, a powerful tool within AP-PLAT. Trainees had the opportunity to input data from their home regions, generating localized climate projections. This hands-on approach to data visualization resonated strongly with the participants, sparking enthusiastic discussions about the tool's potential applications in their respective countries.

The final session, conducted by the Head of the Satellite Observation Research Section in the Earth System Division, offered a fascinating glimpse into the world of greenhouse gas observation. Trainees were given a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities related to the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT), including the Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) observation room and the rooftop observation area.

Throughout the workshop, the international visitors displayed keen interest and engagement, particularly during the interactive sessions with the AP-PLAT tools. Many expressed how invaluable these resources could be for climate change adaptation planning in their home countries.

This visit underscores NIES's commitment to international cooperation in climate change research and adaptation. By sharing knowledge and demonstrating practical tools, NIES aims to contribute significantly to global efforts in understanding and addressing climate change impacts.

The ongoing collaboration between JICA, OECC, and NIES plays a crucial role in building capacity among climate change professionals from vulnerable regions. It fosters a global community equipped to tackle the multifaceted challenges of climate change. Furthermore, AP-PLAT is poised to expand its role as a vital information platform and support system for adaptation strategies across the Asia-Pacific region, reinforcing the international community's resilience in the face of climate change.

(Posted: 27/Sep/2024)