APN Newsletter - Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

Recent studies highlighting the impact
of climate change in Cambodia point
to worrisome risks that the country
can no longer afford to ignore. Impacts
of climate change on the country are
clearly seen in the change in natural
rainfall patterns. Global warming is likely
to increase the country’s rainfall in wet
seasons and decrease in dry seasons.
This will affect seasonal flooding
patterns that drive inland fish production
and crop irrigation. These concerns
are just a few examples to show Cambodia’s
need to equip itself to deal with the
possible dire consequences of climate
change.
Solutions to climate change for
Cambodia, as suggested in recent consultant
reports, are to develop appropriate
ways to adapt to climate change,
adjusting natural or human systems in
response to actual or expected climatic
stimuli or their effects to minimize
risks to vulnerabilities and disasters.
However, adapting to these impacts is
an uphill challenge and the government
needs to assess and prioritize vulnerable
sectors, areas and people. Further
work is required to analyse the root of
the problems and find solutions to real
threats from climate change.
I personally believe that there is nothing
more important right now than to align
our thinking and develop some sense
of what is really possible in terms of
change. Systems models are a way to
test our ideas and to sharpen and clarify
our thinking and knowledge. Systems
models will also help us better understand
the systemic causes of climate
change and possible solutions.
Trained in the field of systems engineering
and natural resources science,
I hope to be able to contribute to the
goals of the APN. It is my pleasure to join
the APN Scientific Planning Group and I
look forward to working with colleagues
in the years to come.
Staff Changes in the Secretariat
Yuko Noda
Former Administrative
Assistant
Dr. Veasna Kum
Faculty of Engineering
Zaman University,
Cambodia
SPG Member for Cambodia
The Secretariat recently bid farewell to administrative assistant Ms. Yuko Noda,
who worked for APN for over two years and was tremendously dedicated and
supportive. Ms. Noda would like to thank the APN for providing such a valuable
working environment, which she will miss greatly. “I have too many things to say
to my colleagues at the Secretariat and I will never forget the valuable experience
I have gained from such an international workplace,”
said Yuko. “The memories of working at the APN will be
jewels in my life. To everyone that I have worked with, thank
you so much for your kind support.”
Ms. Chieko Kodama (right) took over as administrative assistant
from April 2012. The secretariat would like to take this
opportunity to warmly welcome her on board.
Staff Changes in the Secretariat •
17
News from the Secretariat