The World Meteorological Organization and the European Commission are strengthening cooperation regarding assistance to developing countries in climate adaptation as well as early warning systems.
WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas met European Union Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica at WMO headquarters on 30 March.
The EU Commission is considering a new programme to provide weather and climate services which “reach the last mile” and help developing countries and people adapt to climate change, with a focus on Africa and Small Island Developing States. WMO is contributing to the design of this programme, which should be based on the implementation plan for the Global Framework for Climate Services.
There are also plans to expand a successful Multi-Hazard Early Warning System programme, which has been rolled out in Southeast Europe and the Balkans, to Central Asia. Countries in the region are exposed to a variety of hazards including drought and heavy precipitation which has inflicted considerable socio-economic losses.
