The growing extremity of global climate change is beginning to impact regional weather systems, including those in Southeast Asia. An increase in the intensity of the Indo-Australian monsoon, which has made northern Australia wetter, is also contributing to accelerated ice melt in the Atlantic Ocean.
Consequently, the rainy season in the Northern Hemisphere is weakening, and parts of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, are projected to face drier conditions. These findings are based on an analysis of ancient sediment core samples from the floor of a lagoon in Australia’s Northern Territory.
The study, published in the latest edition of the journal Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, reveals a close link between shifts in global climate circulation and the dynamics of tropical rainy seasons.
Responding to these findings, climate change and agrometeorology experts from the Faculty of Agricultural Technology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FTP UGM), Dr. Bayu Dwi Apri Nugroho, stated that the melting of ice in the Atlantic could disrupt the balance of Indonesia’s climate and weather systems.
This imbalance not only affects rainfall patterns but also has implications for agricultural systems and food security. According to Dr. Nugroho, the ability to understand and respond to climate dynamics is key to successful adaptation at both local and national levels.
“These global-scale climate fluctuations must be taken seriously by both the government and society,” he said in an interview on Wednesday (Jul. 23).
Dr. Nugroho also highlighted the challenges in formulating climate-based policies due to the limited quality and consistency of weather data in Indonesia. The difficulty in making accurate weather predictions poses a significant obstacle to strategic decision-making, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture and water resource management.
To address these challenges, significant efforts are required, including the construction of retention basins, groundwater utilization (also known as water harvesting), and the enhancement of impact-based early warning systems.
Additionally, research on drought-resistant crop varieties and the revitalization of irrigation infrastructure are crucial steps in addressing this issue.
“All of these efforts require synergy between scientific research, public policy, and technological innovation,” Dr. Nugroho explained.
He further emphasized that climate and weather systems operate on broad, interconnected regional and global scales. Therefore, developing more accurate climate prediction systems must be supported through international collaboration.
Dr. Nugroho underscored the importance of an integrated approach among scientists, policymakers, and communities to tackle the increasingly evident impacts of climate change.
“Weather and climate systems operate at regional and global scales. Further research is needed through joint observation stations, shared climate data via big data platforms, predictive modeling, and the development of climate adaptation and mitigation technologies,” he elaborated.
Dr. Nugroho also called on the younger generation to take an active role as agents of change in addressing climate issues. He encouraged the promotion of climate literacy and the adoption of sustainable, earth-friendly lifestyles.
Simple actions such as walking, conserving water, planting trees, and preserving soil and water resources are tangible contributions that individuals can make. He believes that large-scale change begins with awareness and small actions at the community level. The role of youth is crucial in driving a shift in mindset toward a more sustainable future.
As a research institution committed to environmental issues, UGM continues to actively study the impacts of climate change through interdisciplinary research aimed at providing science-based solutions for national climate resilience.
UGM promotes the integration of scientific knowledge and public policy to ensure climate adaptation efforts are effectively targeted. Through continuous research, UGM aspires to be at the forefront of safeguarding environmental balance and strengthening Indonesia’s socio-ecological resilience.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Bendina Morezky
Illustration: Freepik