Al-Bayda – The joint international conference on climate change in arid and semi-arid regions began Monday. The event was held at Omar Al-Mukhtar University. The university organized the conference in cooperation with the Libyan Authority for Scientific Research.
Academics, researchers, and graduate students are participating in the event. Representatives from specialized Arab and international centers are also attending. The conference is supervised by the Al-Mukhtar Center for Research and Consulting and the Libyan Center for Climate Change Research.
The opening scientific sessions analyzed climate transformations in dry environments. They examined their environmental, health, social, economic, and legal impacts. The role of modern technology in predicting climate change was also discussed. The sessions reviewed the relationship between biodiversity and climate phenomena. They explored ways to develop national adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Several scientific papers were presented. These papers identified the direction and magnitude of climate change in recent years. They analyzed its effects on natural and human ecosystems. Future challenges facing local communities in these regions were also discussed.
Wadha Founas is the director of the Libyan Center for Climate Change Research. She stated that climate change is no longer just an environmental issue. It has become a highly complex strategic file. It affects human health, water and food security, and economic sustainability.
Founas added that science and precise knowledge are essential to confronting this threat. She stressed that the Libyan Center is developing advanced monitoring and analysis tools. These tools will help national institutions make decisions based on reliable data. They will also support the transition to a green economy.
She explained the center’s future plans focus on three main areas. These include strengthening environmental monitoring and climate forecasting capabilities. They also involve supporting innovation projects in sustainable energy and the green economy. Finally, the center will assess climate change impacts on local communities and improve their preparedness.
Participants noted the importance of building joint research networks between universities and scientific centers. They also stressed developing studies based on recent climate data. This will help support state policies to combat climate change effects and enhance environmental resilience.
Through this conference, the organizers aim to enhance international scientific cooperation. They seek to monitor climate shifts in dry environments and provide scientific recommendations. These recommendations will support national plans for resource protection, sustainable development, and public awareness.