Supporting Government in Climate Risk Monitoring and Early Warning
An-Najah National University (ANNU) informs and supports local and regional government through climate observations, environmental monitoring, hazard assessment and disaster-risk expertise. These activities provide scientific information relevant to preparedness, early warning and resilient development.
This work connects the University’s Climate Change framework with its contribution to SDG policy development and cross-sectoral dialogue. Through these channels, ANNU brings research and technical expertise into cooperation with government institutions, municipalities, disaster-management bodies and community stakeholders.
1. Climate and Environmental Monitoring
Weather Observations for Nablus Governorate
Established in 2004 under the Department of Geography, the ANNU Weather Station serves as a primary source of climate data for Nablus Governorate.
The station measures maximum, minimum and mean air temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, and solar radiation. During certain periods, observations also include soil temperature and evaporation.
These records support the study of local climate variability and evidence-based environmental planning. They provide information relevant to assessing intense rainfall, prolonged dry conditions and extreme heat, strengthening the scientific basis for risk assessment and preparedness.
Air Quality Monitoring
ANNU’s Air Quality Monitoring initiative complements meteorological observations through environmental monitoring and public access to air-quality information.
The ANNU EQA PS station, operated in cooperation with the Environment Quality Authority, monitors fine particulate matter. Its public IQAir station page displays PM₂.₅ concentrations and air-quality information, providing an accessible resource for environmental awareness and assessment.
Air-quality monitoring addresses environmental exposure and complements climate-risk monitoring. It is reported separately from greenhouse gas emissions and meteorological hazard forecasting.
2. Monitoring Systems and Government Cooperation
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System or activity |
Information provided |
Government or community connection |
Supporting evidence |
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University Weather Station — established 2004 |
Temperature, rainfall, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind and solar radiation. |
Climate information for Nablus Governorate and evidence-based environmental planning. |
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ANNU EQA PS air-quality station |
PM₂.₅ measurements and publicly accessible air-quality information. |
Cooperation with the Environment Quality Authority; public information through IQAir. |
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UPDRRC hazard assessment and risk mapping |
Multi-hazard assessments, maps, resilience-planning guidance and technical recommendations. |
Cooperation with the National Center for Disaster Risk Management and support for local-government resilience planning. |
3. Technical Support to Government Disaster Management
Through its Urban Planning and Disaster Risk Reduction Center (UPDRRC), ANNU contributes technical expertise to national disaster-management processes.
The University’s cooperation agreement with the National Center for Disaster Risk Management documents cooperation on national planning and public awareness. Associated work includes multi-hazard assessment, risk mapping, local resilience-planning guidance and standards for critical infrastructure.
ANNU also contributed to reviewing the proposed National Strategy and Media Plan for Risk Reduction 2024–2029. This cooperation connects university analysis with government planning, public education and community preparedness.
These earlier agreements and activities establish the institutional foundation for government cooperation, alongside the documented 2025 contributions below.
4. Relevant Activities in 2025
|
Date |
Activity |
Contribution to risk assessment and preparedness |
|
9–12 February 2025 |
Sixth Arab Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, Kuwait |
ANNU contributed expertise on infrastructure resilience, preparedness and risk-informed urban planning at a platform organised by UNDRR with the League of Arab States and hosted by Kuwait. Discussions included climate-change impacts and implementation of the Sendai Framework. |
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13–14 May 2025 |
Integrating climate adaptation and risk considerations into Gaza recovery planning, Amman |
University experts presented risk studies and planning perspectives and contributed to discussions producing a risk matrix and reconstruction priorities incorporating climate adaptation. |
These activities demonstrate technical contribution and regional knowledge exchange, complementing ANNU’s monitoring systems and government partnerships.
5. Contribution to Early Warning and Preparedness
ANNU’s contribution combines observation, analysis and technical advice:
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Meteorological observations provide information for understanding local climate conditions and variability.
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Air-quality monitoring makes environmental exposure information accessible.
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Hazard assessments and risk maps support identification of vulnerable locations and infrastructure.
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Government cooperation and technical dialogue connect scientific findings with preparedness and resilience planning.
Together, these activities strengthen the information base for climate-risk monitoring, early warning and adaptation. ANNU provides scientific and technical support, while official emergency warnings are issued by the competent authorities.
Public Information and Supporting Resources
Responsible units: Department of Geography; Environment and Sustainability Research Center; Urban Planning and Disaster Risk Reduction Center.
Reporting year: 2025.