In a landmark annual session of the World Meteorological Organization’s Executive Council, the focus is on a comprehensive roadmap aimed at issuing timely warnings about dangerous weather conditions worldwide. Central to the agenda is the implementation plan for the new initiative “Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Service.”
Key Takeaways
Climate Change and Extreme Weather Elevate the Need for Science and Service Roadmap for the “Warnings for All” Initiative Paves the Way Forward Record Levels of CO2 Highlight the Need for Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Service Expanding Cryosphere Action Urged During the session, slated for June 10-14, a range of measures will be discussed, including expanding action in the cryosphere (ice and snow) amidst rapid climate change, enhancing the global observation network, improving climate monitoring and services, and satellite and space weather programs.
“We’ve just experienced the hottest 12-month period in recorded history, and the latest WMO report clearly states that record warming is likely to continue over the next five years,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. “As the UN Secretary-General has stated, we’re playing Russian roulette with our planet.”
The impacts of climate change and more extreme weather significantly increase the need for robust national meteorological and hydrological services. Rapid advancements in satellite technologies, supercomputing, and artificial intelligence present new opportunities to harness science for societal benefit.
“We must leverage these opportunities to address the challenges before us,” stated Saulo.
A Call to Action
The “Warnings for All” initiative is set to provide a detailed vision, objectives, and actions to enhance the provision and use of early warning systems for various weather, climate, and water-related hazards. Covering the period from 2024 to 2027, it outlines timelines and expected outcomes in detail.
Early warning systems help reduce mortality and mitigate losses caused by weather, water, or climate-related hazards. They offer almost a tenfold return on investment. However, significant gaps remain, especially in small island developing states and least developed countries.
“The implementation of the ‘Warnings for All’ initiative remains far from its target. Millions of people, especially in developing countries, lack access to life-saving early warnings. Strong early warning systems require more active political support from the international community and governments, as well as significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and training,” said WMO President Abdullah Al-Mandous.
Driving Progress
The roadmap for the “Warnings for All” initiative outlines a strategic deployment plan consisting of two main stages: catalytic action and sustainable action. Countries identify gaps and mobilize stakeholders to accelerate universal coverage of early warning systems through national roadmaps.
Despite the focus on 30 target countries, the initiative extends to other nations to meet their demand and needs. The roadmap serves as a guide for the WMO in expanding action and accelerating implementation.
As of now, 22 countries have conducted national workshops dedicated to the initiative, demonstrating their commitment to achieving universal coverage of early warning systems by 2027.
The “Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Service” aims to support WMO Members in implementing actions to mitigate the effects under the Paris Agreement. It aims to fill critical information gaps and provide a comprehensive operational structure, bringing together all satellite and ground-based observation systems, as well as modeling and data assimilation capabilities.
Conclusion
The resolutions passed during this session underscore the urgent need for coordinated global action to address climate challenges. They emphasize transparency, collaboration, and sustainability in tackling the climate crisis and laying the groundwork for a resilient future.
