The UN estimates that improved hydrometeorological services - a concept encompassing weather forecasting, early warning systems and climate information - could save 23,000 lives per year as global warming continues.
This first report on the shortcomings of hydrometeorological services underlines that while the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions remains crucial in the face of climate change, the UN has also called for additional efforts to enable populations, and in particular the most vulnerable , adapt and be more resilient to the consequences of inevitable meteorological and climatological phenomena in the future. “Science-based and data-driven weather and climate services form the basis for successful adaptation measures,” World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General Petteri Taalas said in the report's foreword.
According to the report, it would be possible to save 23,000 lives per year and to reap annual benefits worth at least 162 billion dollars (137 billion euros) by improving hydrometeorological services around the world.
Developing countries on the front line
The document shows that "investments in multi-hazard early warning systems generate benefits at least ten times the cost and are essential for building resilience in the face of extreme weather events," says the WMO in a report. communicated.
However, only 40% of countries currently have effective warning systems, and the essential observational data on which these services depend has major gaps, especially in the least developed countries and in small island developing States, argues it. UN agency.
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The report is presented by the leaders of the Alliance for Hydrometeorological Development, which brings together WMO and several international institutions active in the development, humanitarian and financial sectors, at a meeting of high level devoted to hydrometeorological solutions necessary for effective climate action and sustainable development.
“While the contribution of developing countries to greenhouse gas emissions is limited, the consequences of disasters caused by climate-related weather phenomena are three times greater than in high-income countries.
Accurate weather forecasts and reliable climate forecasts are essential for decision-making in terms of adaptation and investment policy, ”commented Côte d'Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara in the WMO press release.
“Of the many causes of hunger in the world today, extreme weather events are one of the most predictable.
So let's work together to help vulnerable populations better prepare for these events, ”said David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Program.