Climate Services Report 2023

Context:

Recently, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released Climate Services report 2023.

Relevance:

GS I: Geography

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Report Findings on Climate-Health Integration
2. World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)

Report Findings on Climate-Health Integration

• Utilization of Climate Information:
  • Less than 25% of global health ministries incorporate climate information to monitor health risks linked to climate sensitivity.
• Health Protection Priority:
  • Health protection is recognized as a priority in nearly all countries, emphasizing the importance of high-quality information for informed decision-making.
• Extreme Heat Concerns:
  • Despite extreme heat causing the highest mortality among all extreme weather conditions, only half of the affected countries provide heat warning services to health decision-makers.
• Climate Change Mitigation and Air Pollution:
  • The report underscores that climate change mitigation efforts, particularly reducing air pollution, can contribute significantly to saving lives.
• Insufficient Investments:
  • Investments aimed at enhancing the health sector’s capabilities to protect the most vulnerable from climate-related health risks are deemed insufficient.

World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)

1. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for meteorology, climate, operational hydrology, and related geophysical sciences.
2. It serves as the authoritative voice within the UN system regarding the state and behavior of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the oceans, climate patterns, and the distribution of water resources.

• WMO plays a vital role in coordinating international efforts to monitor and assess atmospheric and climate systems, promoting research, facilitating data exchange, and providing weather and climate information for sustainable development.

History:

• The origins of WMO can be traced back to the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), established in 1873.
• In 1950, WMO was officially established as the specialized agency of the UN for meteorology, operational hydrology, and related geophysical sciences.
• Building upon the foundation laid by the IMO, WMO has expanded its scope and activities to address the evolving challenges in meteorology and climate science.

Headquarters and Membership:

• The headquarters of WMO is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Currently, WMO has a membership of 193 countries and territories, representing virtually all nations across the globe. The membership reflects the global recognition of the importance of international cooperation in meteorology, climate, and hydrology.

Governance Structure:

The governance structure of WMO comprises several key bodies responsible for policy-making, decision-making, and the day-to-day operations of the organization:

World Meteorological Congress:

• The World Meteorological Congress is the supreme body of WMO.
• It convenes at least every four years and brings together representatives from all member countries.
• The Congress establishes general policies, adopts regulations, and provides strategic guidance to WMO.

Executive Council:

• The Executive Council consists of 37 members, including the President and Vice-Presidents.
• It meets annually to implement policies and decisions made by the World Meteorological Congress.
• The Executive Council oversees the day-to-day operations and management of WMO.

Technical Commissions and Regional Associations:

• WMO operates through a network of technical commissions and regional associations.
• Technical commissions focus on specific areas of meteorology, hydrology, and related disciplines.
• Regional associations facilitate regional cooperation and the exchange of meteorological and hydrological information.

Secretariat:

• The Secretariat, headed by the Secretary-General, is responsible for the coordination and administration of WMO activities.
• It supports the implementation of policies and decisions made by the World Meteorological Congress and Executive Council.
• The Secretariat serves as the central hub for data exchange, research coordination, and capacity building initiatives.

-Source: Indian Express