One of the most important global problems today is climate change

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering Academic Staff Assist Prof. Dr. Sedef Çakır, advised that 23rd March World Meteorological is celebrated with different themes and went on to advise, “The World Meteorology Organization (WMO) has determined the theme of 2021 as " Ocean, Our Climate and Weather".

Stating that one of the most important global problems of today is climate change, Çakır went on to say “While in some regions it shows itself as increasing precipitation levels, in some regions it is observed as decreasing precipitation and drought”.

Pointing out that in accordance to the climate reports prepared by the WMO, we are currently experiencing some of the most significant climate change ever, Çakır informed, “The global average air temperature has shown parallels with the increase in greenhouse gas emissions that developed due to the industrial revolution. From the year 2020, the increase in temperature (compared to the time prior to industrialization), has reached 1.5 ° C”.

The increase experienced in air temperature is small, but its negative effects are big

Stating that although the increase in temperature experienced seems small, Çakır stated that this increase caused melting glaciers, rise in the sea levels, ocean currents weakening, severe weather events, as well as an increase in the intensity and frequency of storms, torrential rains, that lead to great environmental and economic damage.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Çakır stated that oceans are the largest water reservoirs of the earth, thus, they are the biggest source of water vapor to the atmosphere, as well as the start and end point of evaporation in the hydrological cycle.

Underlining that oceans have a great role in determining the climate, Çakır went on to say, “While the increase in ocean surface temperatures causes the weakening of the ocean currents between the equatorial and polar regions as well as the increase in salinity, it is also largely fed by the moisture in the oceans, leading to the development of tornados.

Stating that studies in relation to the earth, ocean, and atmosphere systems, which are inseparable from each other, should be carried out together, and that the use of mathematical models using the data obtained by technological opportunities, Çakır said it is of great importance in the more successful prediction of atmospheric events.