On the 23rd of March each year, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) marks the Convention’s establishment on the same day in 1950. This significant occasion, known as ‘World Meteorological Day’, underscores the vital role of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in ensuring societal safety and well-being. Globally, events are held to commemorate this day. The theme for World Meteorological Day 2024,’ At the frontline of climate action’, underscores the immediate and pressing threat of climate change to human civilization. The theme serves as a call to action, urging us to address climate change with utmost urgency and determination.

Everyone has an important role

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in Earth’s temperatures and weather patterns that can occur naturally or be influenced by human activities. The use of fossil fuels, for instance, leads to the production of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases, which in turn trap heat in the atmosphere. Deforestation reduces the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO₂, while industrial processes and energy production contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Even seemingly unrelated activities like livestock farming, fertilizer use, and land use changes can significantly impact climate.

Meteorological services play a crucial role in understanding and managing climate and water resources. Weather forecasting provides accurate information on current and future weather conditions, helping people plan their daily activities and make informed decisions. Climate monitoring collects long-term climate data, contributing to scientific research and understanding of climate change. Meteorological services warn the population about extreme weather events such as storms, floods, and droughts, enabling preventive and protective measures. They monitor water levels, quality, and distribution, essential for agriculture, industry, and daily life.

Our responsibility

As citizens of planet Earth, we have a responsibility to act to preserve our environment and mitigate the effects of climate change. We can reduce our carbon footprint and the use of fossil fuels, promote renewable energy and adopt a sustainable lifestyle. It is also important to invest in climate research to support evidence-based policies and inform others about the importance of sustainability and climate action. In conclusion, World Meteorological Day reminds us that we are all involved in the fight against climate change. We are at the forefront of climate action, and together, we can make a difference for a more sustainable and secure future for all.

A help from AI

In this scenario, technological innovations can help solve many problems. Last November, in a paper published in Science, Google DeepMind Lab introduced GraphCast, a state-of-the-art AI model able to make medium-range weather forecasts with unprecedented accuracy. GraphCast predicts weather conditions up to 10 days in advance more accurately and much faster than the industry gold-standard weather simulation system – the High-Resolution Forecast (HRES), produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).

GraphCast excels in accuracy and offers early warnings for extreme weather events. It can accurately predict cyclone tracks well into the future, identify atmospheric rivers linked to flood risks, and anticipate extreme temperature events. This capability has the potential to save lives by enhancing preparedness. By openly sourcing the model code for GraphCast, scientists and forecasters worldwide can help billions of people in their everyday lives. GraphCast is already being used by weather agencies, including ECMWF, which is running a live experiment of the model.