World Meteorological Day 2023; March 23rd.

 FORUM: “The future of weather, climate and water across generations.” World Meteorological Day 2023. As a result of heat-trapping greenhouse gases, the average global temperature is now more than 1° Celsius higher today compared to 150 years ago. Our weather is more extreme, our ocean is warmer and more acidic, sea levels have risen and glaciers and ice are melting. The rate of change is accelerating. We need urgent action now to slash emissions and to ensure that future generations can both survive and thrive on our planet. The good news is that rapid scientific and technological advances have greatly improved the accuracy of weather forecasts and life-saving early warnings. Big data is being exchanged more freely among a wider community than ever before, and there are new tools including machine learning and Artificial Intelligence.  There has been significant progress to monitor, simulate and project the global climate to support decision-making. Our weather, climate and water cycle will be different in future than in the past. Weather, climate and hydrological services will help us tackle the associated challenges and seize the opportunities. Forecasts of what the weather will BE are no longer enough. Impact-based forecasts that inform the public of what the weather will DO are vital to save lives and livelihoods. Yet one in three people are still not adequately covered by early warning systems. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #WorldMetDay, #23March, #Meteorology, #Climatology, #Hydrology, #weather.

Statement from the U.N. Secretary-General on World Meteorological Day 2023; March 23rd.

On this World Meteorological Day, humanity faces a difficult truth: climate change is making our planet uninhabitable.

Every year of insufficient action to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius drives us closer to the brink, increasing systemic risks and reducing our resilience against climate catastrophe. As countries hurtle past the 1.5-degree limit, climate change is intensifying heatwaves, droughts, flooding, wildfires and famines, while threatening to submerge low-lying countries and cities and drive more species to extinction.

This year’s theme — The Future of Weather, Climate and Water Across Generations — compels us all to live up to our responsibilities and ensure that future generations inherit a better tomorrow.

That means accelerating actions to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees, through scaled-up mitigation and adaptation measures.

It means radically transforming our energy and transportation systems, breaking our addiction to fossil fuels, and embracing a just transition to renewable energy.

It means developed countries providing a revolution of financial and technical support to developing countries as they mitigate emissions, adapt to a renewable future, build resilience against extreme weather events, and address the loss and damage resulting from climate change.

And it means living up to the promise made last World Meteorological Day to ensure that early warning systems against climate disasters cover every person in the world. Thirty countries have now been identified for accelerated implementation this year.

2023 must be a year of transformation, not tinkering.

It’s time to end the relentless — and senseless — war on nature, and deliver the sustainable future that our climate needs, and our children and grandchildren deserve.

U.N. Secretary-General.

Statement from the Prof. Petteri Taalas, WMO Secretary-General on World Meterorological Day 2023; March 23rd.

Greetings from the World Meteorological Organization secretariat in Geneva.

Our weather and climate and water cycle know no national or political boundaries. International cooperation is essential. This philosophy has driven the work of the great meteorological family since 1873 and will guide us in the future.

The demand for our expertise and our science has never been higher.

World Meteorological Day 2023 is very special because it takes place during the 150th anniversary of WMO’s predecessor, the International Meteorological Organization.

For the past 150 years, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services have collected and standardized data which underpin the weather forecasts we now take for granted. The history of WMO data exchange is a success story of scientific cooperation to save lives and livelihoods.

We are the second oldest United Nations agency. We are proud of our achievements and will celebrate them in a landmark year when our decision-making World Meteorological Congress will agree strategic priorities to promote our vision of a world which is more resilient to extreme weather, climate, water and other environmental events.

 

Early Warnings for All

There is increasing momentum behind the ambitious drive to ensure that life-saving early warning systems cover everyone in the next five years. The Early Warnings for All Initiative, launched by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on World Meteorological Day 2022 was endorsed at COP27 in Sharm-el-Sheikh and has won support from developed and developing countries, from the UN family and the private sector. 

Early warnings work. They must work for everyone.

Half of WMO Members still do not have adequate Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems and we need to fill the gaps in the basic observing system, especially in Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. 

Early warnings are the low-hanging fruit of climate change adaptation – which is no long a luxury but a must. According to the World Economic Forum, in the next ten-year time frame, failure to mitigate climate change, failure of climate change adaptation and natural disasters are the highest risks for the global economy. 

At least half of all disasters are water-related. At the UN Water Conference in New York (22 to 24 April), WMO will show how water-related hazards like floods and droughts are increasing. Climate change and the melting of glaciers will also lead to more water stress. Better water monitoring and management are essential and this is why WMO is working on a Global Water Information System to promote free exchange of hydrological data.

 

Greenhouse Gas Monitoring

Climate change is the defining challenge of our time. How we respond to that challenge will determine the future of our planet and our children and grandchildren. This will be highlighted in the Synthesis of the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The global average temperature is more than 1.1°C higher than it was when the IMO was founded 150 years ago. Our weather is more extreme, our ocean is warmer and more acidic, sea levels have risen and glaciers and ice are melting. The rate of change is accelerating.

Atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases remain at record levels. And yet there is currently no comprehensive, timely international exchange of surface and space-based greenhouse gas observations.

To fill the void, WMO is seeking to develop a sustained and coordinated Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Infrastructure.

It would expand and consolidate WMO’s long-standing activities in greenhouse gas monitoring under the auspices of the Global Atmosphere Watch and the Integrated Global Greenhouse Gas Information System.

The concept is based on the highly successful World Weather Watch, which was ushered in at the start of the satellite era and celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. It remains the gold standard for international cooperation.

WMO’s Members can be proud of our achievements in our long and rich history.

We started life in an era of morse code and telegrams for shipping forecasts. Supercomputers and satellite technology are opening up new horizons for ever more reliable weather and climate prediction – with the possibility of kilometer-scale models.

But even in an era of artificial intelligence and machine learning, we still depend on the personal dedication and commitment of the staff of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services who work every day of every year to save lives.

We thank you all.

        Prof. Petteri Taalas,

WMO Secretary-General.

EVENTS: The World Meteorological Day 2023 will take place on March 23rd. The ceromy of the WMO’s 150th anniversary will be observed on Thursday, 16 March 2023 from 14:30 - 16:30 GMT+1 at the World Meteorological Organization HQ in Geneva, Switzerland. The event will highlight the past achievements, present progress and future potential - from the late 19th century telegraphs and shipping forecasts to supercomputers and space technology. Throughout this time, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services have worked around the clock to collect and standardize data which underpin the weather forecasts we now take for granted. The history of WMO data exchange is a remarkable story of scientific vision, technological development and, most of all, of a unique system of cooperation to serve society. The anniversary also serves as a reminder of our changing climate. The International Meteorological Organization – the predecessor of the World Meteorological Organization – was established in 1873 in an era when pollution from industrial and human activities was at its beginning. 

The World Meteorological Day 2023 ceremony took place on Thursday, 16 March 2023 at WMO Headquarters in Geneva. This was in view of the UN Water conference in New York from 22-24 March.

Early festivities allow for vital discussions ahead of the UN 2023 Water Conference. The WMO's 150th anniversary will showcase past achievements and future prospects, from telegraphs to space technology. The official World Meteorological Day on 23 March 2023 will be marked with the usual celebrations around the world, and with WMO communication activities.

World Meteorological Day 2023 Ceremony.
16 March 2023 at 14:30-16:30 (GMT+1).
WMO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland.
PROGRAMME

Opening

- Ms Esra Sümeyye (Türkyie), 14 year old winner of 2022 UPU Letter Writing Competition
- Prof. Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Official Addresses

- Mr Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition on Early Warnings for All Initiative called by UNSG one year ago
- H.E. Juerg Lauber, Ambassador of Switzerland to the UN
- H.E. Mr M. Ahmed Ihab Gamaleldin, Ambassador of Egypt to the UN – on COP27
- H.E. Mr Ahmed Aljarman, Ambassador of UAE to the United Nations – on COP28
Speakers

- Mr Michael Staudinger, former Director of Central Institute of Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) on History of IMO-WMO
- Ms Neo Gim Huay, Managing Director, Centre for Nature and Climate at the World Economic Forum (WEF)
- Prof. Ed Hawkins, Professor of Climate Science at the University of Reading and member of the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, creator of Show Your Stripes
- Saliqa Amin and Maximilian Schneider, young representatives of the 2023 FerMUN Conference.

World Meteorological Day 2015, March 23rd.

 Всемирных метеорологических дней, 23 марта.
 World Meteorological Day, March 23.

 Día Meteorológico Mundial, 23 de Marzo.

Journée météorologique mondiale, 23 Mars.

世界氣象日, 3月23日.

 يوم العالمي للأرصاد الجوية، 23 مارس

Climate Knowledge for climate Action is the theme of the World Meteorological Day 2015

 "Знания о климате для климата действий"

 " Climate knowledge for climate action "

 "El conocimiento del clima para la Acción Climática"

«Climat: comprendre pour agir»

 “气候知识支持气候行动”

’المعارف المناخية من أجل العمل المناخي‘

United Nations Secretary-general message on the World Meteorological Day 2015, March 23rd.

    Extreme weather and changing climatic patterns are having a growing impact on our planet and on human well-being. In the last three decades, floods, storm surges, droughts and wildfires have taken a huge toll in lives and caused massive economic losses. The devastation caused by Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu and other parts of Oceania is just the latest example of how catastrophic weather extremes can be.

    Climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of these extremes and threatening water and food security in many parts of the world. Mitigating climate change and adapting to it are among the great tests of our time. To rise to these challenges, we will need timely, reliable information for decision-making and action, delivered to those who need it, in a form that is accessible and usable. Over the last twelve months, thousands of lives have been saved in India, the Philippines and elsewhere by improved weather forecasting, early-warning systems and evacuation plans.

    Information products and services based on climate predictions can assist in strengthening climate resilience. This is the aim of the Global Framework for Climate Services, initiated by the World Meteorological Organization with other United Nations partners to facilitate the use of climate information to reduce disaster risk, promote food and water security, and safeguard public health.

    Last week, Sendai, Japan, hosted the Third United Nations Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction -- the first milestone in a critical year of action on sustainable development. In July, the world will gather in Addis Ababa to discuss financing for development. Leaders will hold a summit in New York in September to adopt a new development agenda, including a set of sustainable development goals to guide us through 2030. We aim to close out the year in Paris in December with a meaningful, universal climate agreement.

   Climate resilience is an important thread that runs through this year of decision-making on our future well-being. On World Meteorological Day, I urge all actors in society to heed this central message. Armed with knowledge, we can overcome the climate challenge and create safer, more prosperous societies for all.

Ban Ki-moon

Message from M. Jarraud,Secretary-General of the World Meteorological OrganizationOn the occasion of “World Meteorological Day 2015 – Climate knowledge for climate action”

    The World Meteorological Organization, as the successor of the International Meteorological Organization, created in 1873, has its fundamental mission to support the countries of the world in providing meteorological and hydrological services to protect life and property from natural disasters related to weather, climate and water, to safeguard the environment, and to contribute to sustainable development. This cannot happen without the necessary observations, research and operations that develop the understanding and knowledge of weather and climate.

     Since 1961, World Meteorological Day has commemorated the coming into force on 23 March 1950 of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization and the essential contribution that National Meteorological and Hydrological Services make to the safety and wellbeing of society. Each year, the celebrations focus on a theme of topical interest. The theme of this year, “Climate knowledge for climate action”, could not be timelier, as the international community moves towards ambitious decisions and action to address climate change.

    Climate change concerns us all. It affects almost all socioeconomic sectors, from agriculture to tourism, from infrastructure to health. It impacts strategic resources like water, food, energy. It slows down and even threatens sustainable development, and of course not only in developing countries. The cost of inaction is high and will become even higher if we do not act immediately and resolutely.

    Information on weather and climate, and its variability and change, is so embedded in our daily life– from daily weather forecasts to seasonal climate predictions – that at times it is easy to forget the amount of observations, research, computing and analysis that lies behind weather and climate information products. Today, the average weather forecast of five days in advance is as skillful as the two-day forecast twenty-five years ago and seasonal climate forecasts have become increasingly skillful. This has been made possible thanks to advances in remote sensing, including satellites, major improvements in science and dramatic increases in computer power. Scientific progress in meteorology and climatology in the last fifty years is indeed one of the most significant one in all scientific disciplines.

    The climate knowledge that has been built in the last decades is an invaluable resource and a prerequisite for decision-making and for climate action. Multiple lines of evidence – from mounting temperatures to shrinking glaciers, from sea-level rise to weather extremes – give us high confidence that the climate is changing and that this is largely due to human activities, in particular the emissions of greenhouse gases that every year reach record high levels.

    Science also gives us high confidence that we can still change course and mitigate climate change to a manageable level. Today, few people contest the evidence of climate change and the responsibilities we bear towards future generations. Climate knowledge can and must support this process, helping decisionmakers at all level to make the best decisions.

    Climate knowledge must come in a form that is easily understood and usable by those who need it. Climate products and services can assist city planners in developing policies and action plans that can strengthen urban resilience in the face of natural disasters and foster a greener economy.

    Public health authorities use climate forecasts to address in a proactive way the possible health consequences of extremes such as droughts, heatwaves and floods. Thanks to predictions about temperature and rain trends, farmers can make better planting, cropping and marketing decisions. Water resources managers use climate information to optimize water supply and flood management. The energy sector uses climate information to decide where and what type of power plant should be built in a particular location.

    The Global Framework for Climate Services, an initiative of the United Nations System led by WMO, was conceived with precisely this purpose: to enable the provision of climate services in a way that decisions can be made based on the best possible information. This is a crucial challenge for both developing and developed countries and there is a great potential benefit in learning from each other. Experiences and advances in the development and application of climate services can be shared as examples of good practices and assist other countries in accelerating their path towards climate adaption.

    In conclusion, I call on WMO Members, all Governments and the civil society to share and apply climate knowledge for a strong climate action, to minimize climate risks and foster sustainable development.

M. Jarraud

Forum :  World Meteorological Day - 23 March
              Download the brochure in:  English

Events :  In March 2015, a new blueprint for action on disaster risk reduction, replacing the first Hyogo Framework for Action  (HFA), will be adopted in Sendai, Japan, at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. In December, the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) aims to achieve a new universal agreement on climate. Its Green Climate Fund (GCF) will support projects, programmes, policies and other activities in developing countries toward adaptation and mitigation to counter climate change.

1. World Met Day 2015 Programme
2. Private Sector Forum-Energy Programme
3.  Natural climate variability

Documents :

• Invitation to act(active tab)
• Members in action
• Partners in action
• GFCS in action
• Youth in action
• What you can do