The WMO plays a crucial role in providing meteorological and hydrological services to member countries to protect life and property from natural disasters and to protect the environment from pollution for sustainable development. World Meteorological Day, celebrated on 23 March every year, focuses on a theme of topical interest. The theme of 2023 is "The Future of Weather, Climate, and Water Across Generations," emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
The WMO's 150th anniversary highlights its past achievements, present progress, and future potential in the meteorological field, from the late 19th century telegraphs and shipping forecasts to supercomputers and space technology. National Meteorological and Hydrological Services have worked tirelessly to collect and standardize data that underpin weather forecasts, which we now take for granted. The WMO data exchange is a remarkable story of scientific vision, technological development, and a unique system of cooperation to serve society.
The anniversary also serves as a reminder of our changing climate. The increase in heat-trapping greenhouse gases has resulted in more extreme weather, a warmer and more acidic ocean, rising sea levels, and melting glaciers and ice. Urgent action is needed to reduce emissions and ensure the survival and prosperity of future generations.
Despite the challenges, rapid scientific and technological advances have greatly improved the accuracy of weather forecasts and life-saving early warnings. Big data is being exchanged more freely among a wider community than ever before, and new tools such as machine learning and artificial intelligence are available. There has been significant progress in monitoring, simulating, and projecting the global climate to support decision-making.
Weather, climate, and hydrological services are crucial for addressing the associated challenges and seizing the opportunities of a changing climate. The WMO and its member countries will continue to work together to provide these services and ensure the well-being of present and future generations.