Latest news with #WorldMeteorologicalDay
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Over $4.3 trillion lost to climate hazards in five decades: WMO
Listen to article Climate, weather, and water-related hazards have killed more than 2 million people and caused an estimated US$4.3 trillion in economic losses between 1970 and 2021, according to a new report released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The figures were published in observance of World Meteorological Day, marked each year on March 23, and come amid growing concerns over the impact of worsening climate extremes. This year's theme — Closing the Early Warning Gap Together — highlights the urgent need to expand access to life-saving forecast and alert systems worldwide. 'It is disgraceful that, in a digital age, lives and livelihoods are being lost because people have no access to effective early warning systems,' said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a message. 'Early warnings are not luxuries. They are necessities and sound investments — providing an almost tenfold return.' Despite scientific advances and improved forecasting technologies, the WMO said there is a major disparity in early warning access, with nearly half of all countries lacking comprehensive systems — especially in low-income and climate-vulnerable nations. While death tolls have declined, thanks to better alerts and preparedness, economic losses continue to climb, the report noted. The damage includes everything from destroyed infrastructure and housing to agricultural collapse, particularly in developing regions with limited adaptation capacity. In 2024, the planet saw record-breaking temperatures, driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions, warming oceans, and a strong El Niño effect. WMO scientists also reported faster sea level rise, accelerating glacier retreat, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, wildfires, and tropical cyclones. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said the organisation has played a vital role in global disaster risk reduction through data exchange and coordinated forecasting. 'We've saved hundreds of thousands of lives and billions in potential losses over the last 75 years,' she said. 'But many still remain outside the safety net.' The WMO and UN are now halfway through their Early Warnings for All initiative — launched to ensure that every person on the planet is protected by a warning system by 2027. So far, 108 countries report having some form of multi-hazard early warning system, up from 52 in 2015. Still, the agency says more work is needed. 'We need high-level political support, stronger collaboration between governments and communities, a boost in technology transfer, and a significant scale-up in finance,' Guterres said. 'Increasing the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks is key.' The WMO also stressed the transformative role that artificial intelligence and advanced climate modelling can play — provided these technologies are shared equitably across regions. 'Staff at National Meteorological and Hydrological Services are like frontline health workers,' said Saulo. 'They work 24/7 to safeguard public well-being. The WMO helps make the world safer, more secure, and more prosperous.' World Meteorological Day commemorates the establishment of the WMO as a United Nations specialised agency in 1950. This year marked the agency's 75th anniversary.
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Call to strengthen early warning systems
Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) experts suggest that Cyclone Biporjoy was unlikely to make a landfall on the Pakistani coastal belt, but it might touch the Makran coast and bring strong wind to Sindh's coastline. PHOTO: APP Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) marked World Meteorological Day on Sunday under the theme, Closing the Early Warning Gap Together. World Meteorological Day is observed annually in March to commemorate the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950. In Pakistan, the PMD celebrated WMO Day 2025 with a ceremony and exhibition at the Institute of Meteorology and Geophysics (IMG) Met Complex, Karachi. The event was inaugurated by former Chief Meteorologist Muhammad Tauseef Alam, who highlighted traditional and modern meteorological and seismological instruments, weather maps, and various aviation, astronomical, hydrological, and meteorological products on display. Dr. Muhammad Hassan Ali Baig, Director of IMG, welcomed the attendees and briefed them on the significance of the event's theme. Addressing climate challenges with early warnings The WMO plays a crucial role in saving lives, serving communities, and protecting the planet. The past decade has been the hottest on record, and 2024 is projected to be the first year where global temperatures temporarily exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, severe storms, and catastrophic flooding are becoming more frequent. To combat these challenges, early warning systems must be strengthened to protect everyone, everywhere. The 2025 WMO Day theme, "Closing the Early Warning Gap Together," underscores the urgency of this initiative. Like other National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), the PMD is committed to enhancing early warning systems and climate adaptation efforts. For over 75 years, the PMD has been at the forefront of collecting, analyzing, and disseminating weather and climate data to support informed decision-making for disaster risk reduction. The department is actively contributing to the WMO's "Early Warnings for All" initiative, which aims to ensure that every individual in Pakistan has access to timely, reliable, and life-saving weather and climate hazard information by 2027. Need for sustainable practices Keynote speaker Muhammad Tauseef Alam discussed the challenges of climate change and its impact on Pakistan. He emphasized the need for tree plantation and water conservation to ensure a sustainable future. Meanwhile, Karachi's Controlling Officer Ameer Haider highlighted the PMD's progress in weather forecasting, meteorological services, and early warning systems. He discussed initiatives such as, strengthening the early warning system, developing wind energy projects and establishing Pakistan's VLF/LF Lightning Detection Network. Haider also briefed attendees on the role of social media, YouTube, and the PMD's mobile app in disseminating weather alerts to protect lives and property. He emphasized the importance of public awareness campaigns in ensuring that people understand and respond effectively to warnings. In his closing remarks, IMG Director Dr. Muhammad Hassan Ali Baig expressed gratitude to all participants, including media representatives, for their contributions to the event's success. The exhibition will remain open to students and the public on March 24 and 25, 2025.
Egypt Today
23-03-2025
- Climate
- Egypt Today
Egypt Climbs Two Spots in the CCPI 2025, Ranking 20th: CAPMAS
Egypt has moved up two places in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) for 2025, securing the 20th position out of 67 countries CAIRO – 23 March 2025: Egypt has moved up two places in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) for 2025, securing the 20th position out of 67 countries, up from 22nd last year, according to a press release from the state-owned Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) on Sunday. The CAPMAS statement was issued in conjunction with World Meteorological Day, which is observed annually on March 23. This day marks the founding of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the implementation of the Convention on Meteorology, aiming to support countries in preserving the environment and achieving sustainable development goals. According to the CCPI 2025, Egypt received "high" ratings in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Energy Use, a "medium" rating in Climate Policy, and a "very low" rating in Renewable Energy. On May 20, 2022, Egypt launched its National Strategy for Climate Change 2050, aimed at improving citizens' quality of life, fostering sustainable economic growth, and preserving natural resources. Egypt is one of the most vulnerable countries to the negative impacts of climate change, which threaten key sectors such as agriculture, water resources, coastal areas, health, population, and infrastructure. Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly highlighted these challenges during the launch of the national strategy, stressing that these impacts pose an additional layer of difficulty to the nation's ongoing challenges.
Muscat Daily
23-03-2025
- Climate
- Muscat Daily
Oman marks World Meteorological Day
Muscat – Oman joined the global community in observing World Meteorological Day on March 23, commemorating the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950. This year's theme, 'Closing the Early Warning Gap Together', highlights the need to strengthen early warning systems to mitigate the impact of tropical cyclones, severe storms, and floods. The WMO recently confirmed that 2024 was the hottest year on record, underscoring the urgency of climate resilience as extreme weather events become more frequent. WMO Secretary-General Professor Celeste Saulo emphasised the organisation's role in global weather forecasting. 'Over the past 75 years, we have contributed billions of dollars to the global economy, prevented billions more in economic losses from weather, climate, and water-related risks and saved hundreds of thousands of lives,' she said. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for accelerating the 'Early Warnings for All' initiative, which aims to ensure that every community worldwide is covered by an early warning system by 2027. The next phase will focus on expanding coverage beyond the initial 30 countries to include more vulnerable nations, while strengthening partnerships with donors, development banks, and climate funds. Oman has been an active member of the WMO since 1975, working closely with the organisation and regional centres to enhance its forecasting and monitoring capabilities. The country established the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre in 2004. As the first of its kind in the region, the centre provides real-time alerts for natural hazards, including tsunamis, tropical cyclones, and flash floods. With 80 integrated meteorological stations across the country, supported by marine and weather radar systems, satellite data, and advanced forecasting models, Oman ensures timely and accurate warnings. Alerts are disseminated through multiple channels, including traditional media, social media platforms, and mobile apps. The centre also plays a key role in supporting government agencies, emergency responders, and the private sector with critical weather updates. During Cyclone Shaheen, Oman's early warning systems proved effective, with timely alerts and continuous updates helping to minimise human and material losses.
Observer
23-03-2025
- Climate
- Observer
World Meteorological Day: Oman's Early Warning for All initiative
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), is celebrating World Meteorological Day today to commemorate the anniversary of the World Meteorological Organization Convention that was formed in 1950. This year's celebration, under the theme 'Bridging the Early Warning Gap Together,' aims to reduce the impacts of tropical cyclones, severe storms, and floods. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently confirmed that 2024 was the hottest year since records began, as changes in our environment lead to more extreme weather events. The frequency of tropical cyclones, which rapidly intensify after their formation, is also increasing, as are devastating rainfall, storm surges, floods, deadly droughts, and wildfires. In addition, sea levels are rising, making densely populated coastal areas vulnerable to coastal flooding and ocean surges. These events leave lasting impacts on communities long after the events have passed. As we reach the midpoint of the Early Warning for All initiative, significant progress has been made in saving lives, protecting livelihoods, and strengthening community resilience. As climate risks escalate, the need for the initiative grows more urgent and greater. Furthermore, as the initiative enters its next phase, partnerships are expanding to accelerate progress. Collaboration with bilateral and multilateral donors, climate funds, and development banks is increasing support for early warning efforts. Regional partners and specialized centers are being leveraged to enhance impact and build lasting capacity. National responsibility and ownership remain at the core of the initiative, with governments, particularly represented by National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), leading efforts to strengthen resilience and establish sustainable early warning systems. Governments are also expected to lead the way, with public-private collaboration supporting the Early Warning for All initiative. This provides opportunities for collaboration among a wide range of private sector actors, both large and small. While government agencies, particularly national meteorological and hydrological services, must remain the source of reliable warnings, collaboration with the private sector can help stimulate innovation, enhance the dissemination of these warnings, and improve risk awareness. Businesses can offer valuable expertise and resources, ranging from AI-powered forecasting tools to improved communication systems, whether they are large corporations or local enterprises, the private sector has a vested interest in leveraging weather and climate information to manage their risks, protect their assets, improve operations, and ensure their long-term resilience. By working together, public and private stakeholders can create more comprehensive and robust early warning systems that protect communities and enhance business resilience. Professor Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, said, "Over the past 75 years, we have contributed trillions of dollars to the global economy and saved billions more by avoiding economic losses from weather, climate, and water-related risks. We have also saved hundreds of thousands of lives." e added, "The World Meteorological Organization represents the backbone and central nervous system of global weather forecasting." As António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, said on this occasion, "The United Nations Early Warnings for All initiative aims to protect society everywhere through a warning system by 2027. The world must unite and urgently intensify its efforts and investments to achieve this goal." It is worth noting that the initiative will focus in the next phase on expanding the scope of early warning systems for all by building on lessons learned, expanding support to include additional countries beyond the 30 countries that the initiative initially focused on, strengthening partnerships with bilateral and multilateral donors, development banks, and climate funds to increase resources and strengthen cooperation, enhancing regional capacities through collaboration with specialized centers and regional partners to ensure lasting impact, and finally, fostering a sense of national ownership through country leadership in implementation and ensuring long-term sustainability. The initiative aims to bridge the gap together by funding early warning and ensuring that every country has the resources needed to build resilience and protect communities from the increasing impacts of erratic weather and climate change. Since joining the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1975, the Sultanate of Oman has been an active and committed country, striving for continuous and fruitful cooperation with the organization and its regional centers. This includes exchanging information and developing its own forecasting and monitoring systems, enhancing its meteorological capabilities, and benefiting from international cooperation in this field. The National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center was established in 2004 and officially inaugurated in 2015. It is the first national center to provide alerts and warnings for several natural hazards in the region, such as tsunamis resulting from marine earthquakes, cyclones and tropical storms, and flash floods resulting from extreme weather events. Alerts are issued and disseminated through media channels and various social media platforms to reach all segments of society. The center aims to provide early warning services and alerts regarding weather and climate hazards to the community and stakeholders from the government, military, and private sectors. It also provides alerts and weather bulletins to the aviation sector and all civil, military, and oil airports in the Sultanate of Oman, ensuring and achieving the highest levels of air navigation safety and security in the Sultanate of Oman. It also provides alerts and warnings regarding tsunamis and marine earthquakes. The center performs several tasks, including monitoring weather conditions and natural hazards around the clock, issuing necessary warnings and alerts to residents and relevant authorities, and coordinating with government agencies to take preventive measures. The center also relies on numerous technologies used to monitor natural hazards, including the latest systems and technical devices, including 80 integrated meteorological stations distributed across the Sultanate of Oman, weather radar systems, marine radars, satellites, numerical models, and advanced meteorological stations to monitor and analyze weather phenomena. The center sends emergency warnings to citizens and residents via the Oman Meteorology website, text messages, audio and visual media, smartphone applications, and social media platforms. It's worth noting that the center cooperates with government agencies and international organizations in dealing with natural hazards. These include, at the local level, the National Emergency Management Committee, and at the international level, the World Meteorological Organization and the International Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, to ensure effective response to hazards. The National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center relies on established operational procedures when issuing all alerts. These procedures manage weather conditions and activate the national emergency management system. Accurate warnings are issued, and this is done in coordination with the relevant authorities to take preventive measures, such as evacuating areas at risk if necessary. The center has also succeeded in reducing damage caused by natural hazards by minimizing human and material losses during tropical cyclones such as Cyclone Shaheen. This is achieved by issuing early warnings and providing continuous data to citizens, residents, and decision-makers. The Sultanate of Oman joined the World Meteorological Organization: in 1975. Establishment of the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center: 2004. Opening of the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center: 2015. Number of meteorological monitoring stations in the Sultanate of Oman: 80 stations.
