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METEOROLOGY
It's more important than we think
Interview with
Elena Manaenkova
Assistant Secretary-General of the
World Meteorological Organization
Q: You are a trained • Providing farmers
meteorologist and with crucial information
have now been with regard to planting,
Assistant Secretary- irrigating and harvest-
General of WMO for ing; and
five years. What can • Helping to improve our
women in particular scientific understanding
contribute to the field of how the atmosphere,
of meteorology? ocean and land interact.
Meteorology is an exci- At the community le-
ting job, and it counts vel, women play a cru-
many prominent women cial role in building
scientists. I believe, the community resilience.
role of women is critical They are very effective
for weather and climate at mobilizing commu-
When you think about meteorology, all you really
want to know is whether the sun will come out tomor- resilience. The work nities in the event of
row -- rarely do you realise that it's a highly scientific that both female and disasters. They are in
meteorologists, the frontline of disas-
profession that spans the whole globe every moment male
hydro-logists and clima- ter recovery and have a
of the day and night. Here in Geneva we are very
fortunate to have the World Meteorological Organi- tologists carry out on a clear understanding of
zation - WMO. However, perhaps we do not un- daily basis leads to: what strategies are nee-
derstand the importance and implications of its work. • Protecting lives and ded at the local level.
property in the event of Women further hold
extreme weather and key knowledge and play
We had an opportunity to meet Ms Elena Manaen-
natural disasters; a pivotal role in natural
kova, Assistant Secretary-General. Her name is very
well known both in the field of meteorology and also • Boosting economic resources management,
among other scientists and in academia around the prosperity by providing thus contributing to
industries with critical building livelihood stra-
world. There is no secret why the Nigerian Professor
weather and climate infor- tegies that are adapted
Obasi -- a former secretary-general and a legend in
mation; to the changing envi-
the meteorological world - with his high standards
• Providing advice to ronmental realities. In
and high expectations of excellence, asked her to join
the organization, giving up a brilliant scientific career health authorities about cross-boundary water
environmental issues management, women's
in her native country - Russia - in order to do so.
affecting our health; involvement is crucial
Ms Manaenkova is a discrete person preferring to
• Supporting the sustai- due to their skills in
promote the work of others before her own. So let us
nable management of conflict prevention and
give her the floor.
water supplies; resolution.
International 5
