Umayra Taghiyeva: Azerbaijan faces various environmental and climate risks

Azerbaijan has faced various ecological problems and climate-related threats, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Umayra Taghiyeva said at the event titled "Early Warning Systems and Climate Resilient Cities" held within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), Report informs.

She noted that the climate crisis, climate change, and loss of biodiversity necessitate the creation of a new system for the sustainable development and resilience of cities and communities:

"In many cities, climate change has rendered ecosystems unsuitable for habitation, observation, and sustainability. Azerbaijan has also faced various ecological problems and climate-related threats. Building resilient structures and infrastructure against climate change-related risks and disasters in cities is extremely important. Heat waves, floods, and other hazards create serious problems."

Taghiyeva added that reliable, accessible, and timely warning and reporting systems can significantly reduce human losses during natural disasters:

"Safe warning and forecasting systems for natural disasters are not a choice, but life-saving investments."

The Deputy Minister emphasized that Azerbaijan plans to complete the modernization of the Early Warning System:

"For this purpose, there is a need for a modern forecasting and verification system that incorporates local Numerical Weather Prediction models to ensure impact-based forecasting and sector-specific climate analysis. For this reason, within the framework of cooperation with UNEP and GCF, we plan to implement the project 'Strengthening Climate Information and Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems' to enhance resilience in Azerbaijan.

We sincerely welcome the important and timely support of the Green Climate Fund and invite the countries of the region to close cooperation."