The agenda of the annual meeting of the Executive Council of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) -an event that takes place from June 10 to 14- includes other priority topics such as the intensification of measures in the cryosphere (ice and snow) against rapid climate change.
Also closing the gap in the global observation network, improving climate monitoring and services, and satellite and space weather programs.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo stressed that the planet has just experienced the warmest 12-month period on record and a recent report from the organization makes it clear that the unprecedented warming trajectory is likely to continue over the next five years.
She added that it is alarming that a new report from the United States shows that carbon dioxide is accumulating in the atmosphere faster than ever, accelerating a sharp rise to levels far above those experienced during human existence. “We are going in the wrong direction,” she said.
Saulo highlighted that the impacts of climate change and the increase in extreme weather greatly increase the need for strong National Meteorological and Hydrological Services.
“At the same time, rapid advances in satellite technology, supercomputing and artificial intelligence provide exciting new possibilities for harnessing science for the benefit of society. We must take advantage of opportunities to face challenges,” said the expert.
The WMO roadmap for the Early Warnings for All initiative –covering the period 2024 to 2027 with detailed dates and outcomes– outlines the vision, objectives and actions to improve the delivery and use of early warning systems multi-risk for meteorological, climatic and water hazards.
These systems have helped reduce the number of deaths and reduced loss and damage resulting from hazardous weather, water or climate events, but major gaps remain, especially in small island developing states and least developed countries.
According to experts, around 70 percent of all deaths from climate-related disasters occurred in the 46 poorest countries over the past 50 years.
For its part, global greenhouse gas monitoring aims to support WMO members in the mitigation measures adopted to implement the Paris Agreement.
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