The proposed update will provide a more comprehensive, flexible and implementable approach to data exchange for the 21st century. Comprehensive: Currently, existing WMO data policy is laid out in three separate Congressional resolutions covering three domains: Resolution 40 (Cg-XII, covering weather), Resolution 25 (Cg-XIII, water) and Resolution 60 (Cg-17 climate). In contrast, the WMO Unified Data Policy resolution cove
The proposed update will provide a more comprehensive, flexible and implementable approach to data exchange for the 21st century.
Comprehensive: Currently, existing WMO data policy is laid out in three separate Congressional resolutions covering three domains: Resolution 40 (Cg-XII, covering weather), Resolution 25 (Cg-XIII, water) and Resolution 60 (Cg-17 climate). In contrast, the WMO Unified Data Policy resolution covers seven domains – all WMO Earth system data - in a single policy statement. Additionally, the new policy expands from addressing just NMHSs to taking account of all partners, including the private sector and academia.
Flexible: The specific details on what are considered “core data” and “recommended data” can be updated via updates to technical regulations, rather than requiring an amendment to the policy resolution itself. Updates to technical regulations are still subject to Congress approval, but due to their narrow focus and limited scope, the approval process is generally significantly less involved than for data policy.
Implementable: Of the existing three data policy resolutions, only one – namely Resolution 40 (exchange of weather data) – contains language that requires Members to exchange the minimum data required for effective decision-making at all levels to underpin essential public services. The new policy will over time allow data across the Earth system to be labeled as “core data”.