Arusha. Climate scientists worldwide have been urged to strengthen international cooperation and translate research findings into policies and practical solutions to minimise the effects of climate change on key economic sectors.
The call comes as developing countries, particularly in Africa, continue to face climate-related threats to agriculture, livestock, fisheries, water supplies and infrastructure, undermining sustainable development efforts.
Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba at the opening of the Third Meeting of the Coordinating Lead Authors of Working Group I of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa said scientific collaboration was essential in generating evidence to guide government decisions.
He urged scientists to strengthen knowledge-sharing networks and ensure governments had reliable information to address climate challenges and improve preparedness.
Prof Mbarawa said science should underpin policymaking, which should, in turn, guide investment and drive economic development.
‘Science should guide policies, and policies should guide investment. When we have sound policies based on scientific evidence, investors will come and contribute to the development of our country,’ he said on Monday, November 2, 2026.
He said climate change was no longer a future threat, as its effects were already being felt worldwide, with developing countries and small island states bearing a disproportionate burden despite having limited capacity to respond.
In Tanzania, prolonged droughts, floods and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns were affecting agricultural production, livestock, water availability and livelihoods.
He said the situation demonstrated that climate change was not merely an environmental concern but an issue that needed to be integrated into national development planning.
The government, he added, was strengthening institutions responsible for climate-related matters, particularly the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA), while incorporating climate response measures into development plans.
These include promoting climate-smart agriculture, adopting clean technologies and energy sources, and expanding electric-powered railway transport.
Prof Mbarawa also stressed the need to deliver weather information promptly and in accessible language to help farmers, fishermen and livestock keepers make informed decisions, protect investments and minimise losses.
He cited fishermen who sometimes spent considerable time and resources searching for fish without success, saying reliable forecasts could help them plan activities and avoid unnecessary losses.
He said scientific research should produce practical, implementable solutions to challenges facing communities, adding that protecting the environment meant safeguarding lives, the economy and future generations.
The meeting, taking place in Arusha from November 2 to 6, has brought together about 300 scientists from 75 countries.
IPCC Chairperson Jim Skea said the meeting marked an important milestone in preparations for the Seventh Assessment Report (AR7), as lead authors worked towards the second draft following thousands of comments on the first.
He said the assessment was becoming increasingly complex due to the expanding scope of climate science, including global warming, potential climate-system tipping points and future climate projections.
IPCC Vice-Chairperson and TMA Director General Ladislaus Changa said the meeting was jointly organised by the IPCC, its Working Group I Bureau and TMA.
He said discussions focused on rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and increasingly frequent extreme weather events, with findings expected to inform policies and strategies worldwide.