World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – Establishment: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) was established in 1950 as a specialized agency of the United Nations, succeeding the International Meteorological Organization. – Purpose: WMO facilitates international cooperation in meteorology, climatology, hydrology, and related geophysical sciences to promote the safety and well-being of humanity. – Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland. |
| Objectives | – Weather and Climate Services: Enhance the provision of accurate and timely weather, climate, and water information. – Disaster Risk Reduction: Strengthen early warning systems to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards. – Climate Change Monitoring: Monitor and assess climate variability and change to inform global response strategies. – Capacity Building: Support the development of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in member countries. |
| Members as of December 2024 | – Total Membership: 193 Members, including 187 Member States and 6 Territories, each maintaining their own meteorological services. |
| Reports/Indices | – State of the Global Climate Report: An annual publication providing authoritative information on climate indicators and extreme weather events. – Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update: Offers predictions on climate trends for the upcoming years, aiding in preparedness and adaptation strategies. – Greenhouse Gas Bulletin: Reports on atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, highlighting trends and implications. – WMO Antarctic Ozone Bulletin: Provides updates on the status of the ozone layer over Antarctica, crucial for understanding ozone depletion. – Standardized Precipitation Index User Guide: Offers guidance on the use of the Standardized Precipitation Index for drought monitoring and assessment. – WMO Catalogue for Climate Data: A comprehensive resource listing global, regional, and national climate datasets assessed for quality and stewardship. – Climate Indicators: Provides a list of seven state-of-the-climate indicators based on the Global Climate Observing System’s Essential Climate Variables. – Extreme Indices for Temperature and Precipitation: Offers data on climate extremes, including warm days and very wet days, essential for climate monitoring. |
| Instruments | – Guide to Instruments and Methods of Observation (WMO-No. 8): Comprehensive guidance on meteorological instruments and observation methods. – Global Observing System (GOS): A coordinated system of methods and facilities for making meteorological and environmental observations on a global scale. – Instruments and Methods of Observation Programme (IMOP): Sets technical standards and quality control procedures for meteorological instruments and observation methods. – CLIMAT: A code for reporting monthly climatological data from land-based meteorological surface observation sites to data centers. |
| Structure | – World Meteorological Congress: The supreme body that determines policies and approves the budget. – Executive Council: Implements Congress decisions and oversees WMO activities. – Secretariat: Headed by the Secretary-General, it manages day-to-day operations. |
| Subsidiary Organs | – Regional Associations: Six associations representing different global regions, coordinating meteorological activities within their areas. – Technical Commissions: Specialized bodies focusing on areas such as atmospheric sciences, hydrology, and climate services. |
| Committees | – Scientific Advisory Panel: Provides guidance on scientific matters and emerging issues. – Finance Advisory Committee: Advises on financial management and budgetary policies. |
| Initiatives | – Early Warnings for All (EW4All): A global initiative aiming to ensure that everyone is protected by early warning systems by 2027, enhancing disaster preparedness and response. – Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS): Facilitates the provision of climate information to support decision-making in various sectors. – WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS): Enhances the coordination and integration of global observing systems for improved data quality and availability. – Climate Services Information System (CSIS): Provides climate information and predictions to support adaptation and mitigation efforts. – Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW): Monitors atmospheric composition and supports research on air quality and climate change. – Coastal Inundation Forecasting Initiative (CIFI): Develops forecasting and warning systems for coastal flooding events. |
