Context
In 2023, Timor-Leste faced significant challenges related to climate and the environment, with El Niño-related extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense. Preliminary research indicates that these trends have been evident over the past 20 years, reflecting data from neighbouring regions such as Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara Province.
The rainfall pattern in Timor-Leste is heavily influenced by the Australian Monsoon. During the Australian Summer Monsoon, most of the country experiences wet conditions, while the dry season typically lasts from May to November. However, global warming has led to a shift toward a hotter climate, with increasingly hot days and nights becoming the norm.
As heat waves and warm spells are projected to increase dramatically in the coming years, the drastic rise in days with temperatures exceeding 35°C and the prevalence of tropical nights will necessitate adaptive measures. While the people of Timor-Leste are accustomed to a tropical climate, these changes pose new challenges.
Additionally, hazardous seasons can impede the timely implementation of programmes. Certain areas are prone to floods and landslides during the rainy season, which can cut off access from both within and outside these regions. This makes it difficult for the Timor-Leste Red Cross Society to reach affected communities, resulting in delays for some planned activities.