Jabrayil Khanlarov: Discussions held on developing early warning systems in Azerbaijan

A number of training sessions and seminars are being held, and discussions are being conducted by relevant institutions in the direction of developing early warning systems in Azerbaijan, stated Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations Jabrayil Khanlarov at the event titled "Early Warning Systems and Climate-Resilient Cities" held within the framework of WUF13, Report informs.

He noted that, like other countries, in Azerbaijan as well, adverse natural events resulting from climate change, extreme heat waves, drought, forest fires, and landslides cause serious harm to public health and negatively affect infrastructure facilities' normal functioning and people:

"In this regard, measures to combat the effects of climate change are considered as an integral part of activities carried out in the direction of protecting the population and territories from emergencies."

The deputy minister emphasized that the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) supports large-scale early warning system initiatives:

"The development of climate-resilient cities and adaptation of infrastructure to climate change are among the main priorities. The preparation of territorial planning documents, optimization in design, and climate-resilient construction of urban infrastructure are important factors.

At every stage of construction and urban planning activities, the impact of environmental factors on urban infrastructure is taken into account. A number of important measures must be implemented to reduce the impact of natural disasters and increase the resilience of cities to environmental factors."

Khanlarov added that serious work is being carried out by the MES in the direction of using efficient lighting and heating systems, developing water supply infrastructure, educating specialists in the construction sector about climate change, using renewable energy sources, and increasing the climate resilience of buildings and structures based on the "smart city" concept.