The challenge of monitoring climate changes and its consequences in North Macedonia

Abstract

Abstract Background The aim of the paper is to assess how well prepared are the public and the public institutions for developing a digital climate change monitoring system. Methods A descriptive-analytical method and cross-sectional study were applied. Literature from the UNDP, Green Climate Fund (GCF), European Commission and the WHO was used. An on-line survey with 101 participants was conducted to evaluate the level of public interest on tackling climate change, and establishing an inter-institutional integrated system (IIIS) for monitoring climate change. Results The Government has appointed a National Body for Cooperation with the GCF in order to strengthen the capacity of the state for strategic engagement. Decreasing rainfall, cold and heat waves imply that the country is vulnerable to natural disasters, such as droughts, floods and forest fires. Furthermore, the survey shows that 81,2% of the respondents think that climate changes have a negative impact on their health, whereas 70,3% consider that the public is not sufficiently informed about climate changes and the state of the ecosystem. 58,4% are not familiar with any steps being taken against climate change. Only 5% know about the development of an IIIS for monitoring climate change. 38,6% say they would participate in the work of the IIIS. Conclusions The IIIS should be developed with the aim to connect key institutions that would create a strong hub aimed at researching and preventing diseases caused by climate changes. Including the public in the IIIS could help pinpoint local problems. If the establishment of an IIIS yields good results, it could grow into an international monitoring system. Implementing the General Data Protection Regulation and using proper safeguards would be crucial in protecting the gathered and exchanged data. This research will help develop the IIIS to be the first of its kind in the country, with the potential to prevent climate change related diseases, as well as disasters. Key messages The mutual effort of the society as a whole, including the government, NGO’s, the public and private sectors is the only way we can battle the growing threat of climate change. Creating a digital, centralized integrated international and inter-institutional digital tools is the best weapon for monitoring the climate change and its consequences.