SUBASH CHACOWRY
Suresh Boodhoo was a nationally and internationally respected son of Mauritius, projecting an image of professionalism, earnestness and modesty. He excelled in every capacity in which he served the nation and the international community. He was an inspiration to his colleagues.
He had joined the Meteorological Service of Mauritius in early 70s and served as Director of the Services in 2007. The publication of the Second Climate Communication, a national commitment under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was a major achievement. The technical specifications for the Japanese weather radar located at Trou aux Cerfs has served the nation well. His advice was sought by climatologists, policy makers and the media nationally and internationally.
An accomplished researcher
Suresh was an accomplished researcher in the fields of weather and climate. He advanced the understanding of weather patterns and changing climate and their implications for the socio-economic development and the environment in Mauritius.
A few highlights include his research on erosive rainfall in volcanic islands, impacts of extreme weather on local environment, and on sustainable living practices. His early contributions to wind energy assessment in Mauritius emphasise his exploration of renewable energy solutions to climate challenges. Subsequently, wind generators were installed in Rodrigues and in Mauritius.
He had continued to publish on topical climate issues. One of his latest articles in the magazine Discover & Invest Mauritius relates to El Nino and La Nina phenomena and their implications for Mauritius and the Mascarene Islands.
Contribution to Climate Change Policy
Suresh has taken a very prominent role in climate matters nationally, in Africa and globally. His capability was recognised internationally when he was elected Vice-President of the prestigious UN/WMO Commission for Climatology in 1989 and in 1993. In 1997 and 2001, he was elected as President of the Commission. He contributed to the First Conference of Ministers Responsible for Meteorology in Africa, held in 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya. During his tenure, he supported the establishment of respected institutions like the IPCC, the foremost body on climate science and the UNFCCC, the policy-making arm of the UN.
His relentless efforts contributed to dispelling the notion promoted by powerful lobbies that climate change was a hoax. Gradually, the undeniable scientific basis of climate change and its growing impacts ranging from weather such as droughts, floods and cyclones to melting glaciers were accepted. In one of the major WMO Climate Conferences, he had asserted:
“It is inconceivable that humanity will be indifferent to climate change. Are we unconditionally ready to change our behaviour and are willing to live modestly and realistically – for the sake of a future that is not ours, but which we have only borrowed from future generations. “
His sixteen years at the helm of the Commission were marked by the launch and implementation of important climate application, and data collection and exchange programmes globally. Regional Climate Outlook Forums (RCOFs) were thus initiated. The forums enable developing countries to avail of international expertise in projecting climate impacts and developing adaptation measures. Mauritius benefits from the Forum comprising Southeast Africa. The development of Regional Climate Centres has enabled concerted regional initiatives.
The foundation of such achievements was grounded in sound family environment. Primary scholarship led him to John Kennedy College. He studied meteorology at Leningrad University. A WMO scholarship took him to University of Birmingham where he specialised in climate matters and was awarded an MSc degree. We will miss him. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to his wife, Suzanne, their son Tomy and daughter Yadush, their families and grandchildren.