According to the data released by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau of Macao initially projected that the average temperature of Macao will probably increase by 2.7 Celsius degrees and the annual rainfall by 4%. As a result of the rising sea levels in nearby areas due to melting glaciers, Macao will experience a lack of rainfall in winter and spring, while the torrential rainfall in summer and fall will be aggravated. The problems of salt tides and flooding in the Inner Harbour areas will also become increasingly serious. In order to respond to these natural catastrophes that may arise in Macao, Fong Soi Kun, Director of the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau, has asked residents to start learning simple energy saving techniques, support environmental protection initiatives, and play a part in slowing down the pace of global warming.
Macao’s weather was extremely unstable last year. Not only was it affected by six tropical cyclones, but also by hot weather, sudden temperature drops and continuous rainfall. Typhoon “Hagupit”, for instance, led to serious disasters in Macao. The highest wind speed recorded was 110 kilometers per hour on the Governor Nobre de Carvalho Bridge. There were also multiple fallen trees and minor landslides in the Region. At the same time, storm surges led to varying degrees of severe flooding, with water level up to 1.5 meters in certain areas of Macao.
Fong indicated that what Macao is currently facing is a global problem. Using the example of flooding in the Inner Harbour areas, he pointed out that sea levels are rising around the world because of the thermal expansion of sea water and melting glaciers due to global warming. According to the Fourth Assessment on Climate Change, the IPCC estimates that the water level in the Pearl River Estuary, which is adjacent to Macao, will rise 40-60 cm by 2050. He pointed out that if future sea level rises 50cm, the Inner Harbor areas, which are currently affected by minor flooding, will be submerged up to the knee height of an adult. Also, the annual frequency of flooding will increase significantly.
It is precisely because of these environmental changes that the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau, in addition to thunderstorm, rainstorm and tropical cyclone warnings, has introduced a storm surge warning, namely in response to the severe impact of “Hagupit”.
Fong indicated that the storm surge warning would be formally introduced in April, mainly in order to improve the severe weather forecasts when tropical cyclones hit Macao. Storm surge warnings will be based on the water flooding levels in the Inner Harbour and will consist of three levels: yellow, red, and black. The first level shall be used for floods from road surface level to 0.5 meters height; the red level for floods from 0.5 to 1 meters and the third, black level for floods of 1 meters or above. The public will be notified through the storm surge warnings six to twelve hours in advance, so they can make better preparation.
Fong also stressed that the active participation of the population in environmental protection and energy saving initiatives is the best way to improve climate conditions in Macao. The generation of electricity, which produces greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, motorized vehicles and industrial production are all examples of extensive fossil fuel use by humans and are the root cause of global warming and environmental deterioration.
Fong expressed that it is important to disseminate weather forecasts to the public, so as to minimize the impact of such disasters. This, however, is only a stopgap measure. The most effective and active way to improve the living environment of Macao is for all residents to cooperate and save energy, so as to help stem global warming.
Hosted by the Macao SAR Government, organized by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Environmental Protection Committee of the Macao Special Administrative Region, and with the special support of the People's Republic of China National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China, the 2009 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition will be held from the 2nd to the 4th of April. One of the forums focusing on the theme “Global Warming” will be the "Natural Disaster Management Symposium". Seven experts from Europe, China and other locations will hold in depth talks on flooding, as well as earthquake response and management.
