SimCLIM Climate Change Impact and Adaptation Software Extended to the Solomon Islands
A SimCLIM climate change impact and adaptation assessment software package was recently developed for and extended with training to the Solomon Islands. The locally named SolCLIM software includes 20 GCM patterns and sea level rise and climate change scenario generators along with a host of rainwater tank, agricultural and coastal zone impact models. Representatives from a range of government agencies and non governmental organisations were trained in the use and maintenance of the system which will be integral to Second National Communication reporting and the development of climate change adaptation proposals.
Hamilton, New Zealand (PRWEB) November 25, 2008 -- The Solomon Islands Office for Climate Change recently hosted the visit of Dr. Peter Urich and Dr Graham Sem from New Zealand. Peter and Graham in collaboration with CLIMsystems of Hamilton, New Zealand developed a customized version of the climate change impact and adaptation assessment software tool SimCLIM. The customised version named SolCLIM included digital elevation models for each province and a full suit of IPCC Fourth Assessment Report Global Circulation Models, a GCM ensemble toll plus the full complement of SimCLIM impact models including the extreme event analysis package, sea level rise scenario generator and site and spatial precipitation and temperature scenario generators. The rainwater tank, coastal erosion and PlantGro agricultural model were also included in the package.
The six day workshop attracted 37 participants from across the country and included people from: the Disaster Management Office; Solomon Islands Met Service; Red Cross; Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock; Department of Forestry; Commodities and Export Marketing Authority; Department of Tourism; Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey; Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification; National Council of Women; National Adaptation Program of Action; Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources; Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Meteorology; and, Rural Water & Sanitation. The group was introduced to the methodologies applied to climate change impact and adaptation assessments and the evolution and underpinning scientific principles of the SimCLIM open framework model system. The primary focus of the workshop was the building of hands-on capacity in the use and maintenance of the SolCLIM system. Local time series data was imported and assessments were conducted of the various GCM patterns. Participants learned the fundamentals of conducting extreme event analysis, climate-proofed rainwater tank assessments for communities and the generation of sea level and climate change scenarios for various time periods up to 2100. Plans were made for applying the software for various activities including Second National Communication reporting for the United Nations and development of adaptation project proposals for international donors.
Work continues in the development of the system with the importation of GIS layers for reefs, roads, rivers and significant buildings such as schools and medical facilities. SolCLIM was widely recognized by the participants as a powerful and user-friendly tool that will greatly assist the country in planning for a climate-changed future. The Minister for Environment, Conservation and Meteorology, Gordon Darcy Lilo sponsored, attended and distributed certificates of achievement at the closing ceremony.
For further information see our webpage CLIMsystems Ltd email us <info @ climsystems.com> or call country code (64) 27-316 9777.
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