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World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
last update: Feb 13, 2009 02:12 PM
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It is the UN system's authoritative voice on the state and behaviour of the Earth's atmosphere, its interaction with the oceans, the climate it produces and the resulting distribution of water resources. WMO has a membership of 188 Member States and Territories (since 24 January 2007). It originated from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), which was founded in 1873. Established in 1950, WMO became the specialized agency of the United Nations in 1951 for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences. As weather, climate and the water cycle know no national boundaries, international cooperation at a global scale is essential for the development of meteorology and operational hydrology as well as to reap the benefits from their application. WMO provides the framework for such international cooperation. Since its establishment, WMO has played a unique and powerful role in contributing to the safety and welfare of humanity. Under WMO leadership and within the framework of WMO programmes, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services contribute substantially to the protection of life and property against natural disasters, to safeguarding the environment and to enhancing the economic and social well-being of all sectors of society in areas such as food security, water resources and transport. WMO promotes cooperation in the establishment of networks for making meteorological, climatological, hydrological and geophysical observations, as well as the exchange, processing and standardization of related data, and assists technology transfer, training and research. It also fosters collaboration between the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services of its Members and furthers the application of meteorology to public weather services, agriculture, aviation, shipping, the environment, water issues and the mitigation of the impacts of natural disasters. WMO facilitates the free and unrestricted exchange of data and information, products and services in real- or near-real time on matters relating to safety and security of society, economic welfare and the protection of the environment. It contributes to policy formulation in these areas at national and international levels. In the specific case of weather-, climate and water-related hazards, which account for nearly 90% of all natural disasters, WMO's programmes provide vital information for the advance warnings that save lives and reduce damage to property and the environment. WMO also contributes to reducing the impacts of human-induced disasters, such as those associated with chemical and nuclear accidents, forest fire and volcanic ash. Studies have shown that, apart from the incalculable benefit to human well-being, every dollar invested in meteorological and hydrological services produces an economic return many times greater, often ten times or more. WMO plays a leading role in international efforts to monitor and protect the environment through its Programmes. In collaboration with other UN agencies and the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, WMO supports the implementation of a number of environmental conventions and is instrumental in providing advice and assessments to governments on related matters. These activities contribute towards ensuring the sustainable development and well-being of nations. We thank WMO for their kind permission to publish their information, articles and publications.
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World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
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by
Kris Molle
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last modified
Jan 08, 2009 03:20 PM
- Link to their homepage
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IPCC Fourth Assessment Report
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by
Kris Molle
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last modified
Jan 08, 2009 03:23 PM
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007 The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC - http://www.ipcc.ch/) was established by the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme to assess scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant for the understanding of climate change, its potential impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation.
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Observing our planet for a better future
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Kris Molle
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last modified
Jan 08, 2009 03:27 PM
- World Meteorological Day 2008 Publication WMO-No. 1030
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Comic book for children: We care for our climate
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by
Kris Molle
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last modified
Jan 08, 2009 03:28 PM
- Publication WMO-No. 975
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World Climate News
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by
Kris Molle
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last modified
Jan 08, 2009 03:30 PM
- Publication No. 32 - January 2008 WCN-No. 32
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World Meteorological Day 2007; Polar meteorology: Understanding global impacts
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Kris Molle
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last modified
Jan 08, 2009 03:32 PM
- Publication WMO-No. 1013
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Polar Day Focusing on People
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Kris Molle
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last modified
Jan 08, 2009 03:36 PM
- On September 24th, 2008, the International Polar Year 2007-8 (IPY) will launch its sixth ‘International Polar Day' focusing on People in Polar Regions, especially on community and cultural well-being, health issues, and the role of the Arctic in the global economy. This Polar Day occurs at the time when combined effects of modern climatic, environmental, economic, and social change challenge the resilience of many Arctic communities and when polar residents, IPY researchers, and public at large address the future of the polar regions from new societal, humanistic, and environmental perspectives.
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December 4th: Polar day focusing above the polar regions
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by
Kris Molle
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last modified
Jan 08, 2009 03:38 PM
- Geneva, 4 December 2008 (ICSU / IPY / WMO) - The International Polar Year 2007-8 (IPY) will launch its seventh International Polar Day focusing on research Above the Polar Regions, including meteorology, atmospheric science, astronomy and the view of the polar regions from space. This event coincides with the start of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA).
