The harmful effects of climate change are already impacting multiple sectors including agriculture, environment, health, food security, social services, and the economy. Scientists are raising alarms, warning that the situation could worsen this year due to the El Niño phenomenon. In response to this climate emergency, the AFCD (Association of Women for Culture and Development) recently organized a knowledge-sharing workshop with the press, supported technically and financially by UNESCO's Regional Bureau for East Africa. The objective is to strengthen the resilience of women, who are most vulnerable to climate change. Notably, "women bear significant responsibility in adapting to and mitigating climate change, given the climate emergency and sustainable development challenges," participants noted.

El Niño Phenomenon
The association drew on expertise from technical bodies including BNGRC, the General Directorate of Meteorology, the Hydrometeorological Research and Development Directorate, and UNESCO's National Commission. Following the workshop, participants gained enhanced knowledge on global climate trends, the El Niño phenomenon, and risks for Madagascar. National experts highlighted potential climate warming causing drought in southern Madagascar, as well as flooding in other regions. Regarding women's role in climate adaptation and mitigation, AFCD promotes ecological practices such as waste valorization, eliminating waste, and promoting circular economy. Renewable energy development, combating deforestation, developing resilient agriculture, and constructing eco-climatic buildings are also proposed solutions to address the climate emergency.

Biblical Prophecies
The workshop also showcased best practices by women leaders trained by NGO JADD in forest preservation and community awareness on climate change. UNESCO's representative presented various tools and resources on media literacy, including disinformation, risk and disaster management, and climate information. An AFCD representative also presented research findings on similarities between scientific climate forecasts and biblical prophecies regarding upcoming climate disasters. These studies have been disseminated through churches and training centers.