The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) is a co-sponsored programme which regularly assesses the status of global climate observations and produces guidance for its improvement.
It is co-sponsored by the
World Meteorological Organization (WMO),
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO),
United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment), and
International Science Council (ISC).
GCOS expert panels maintain definitions of Essential Climate...
Floods are the most common natural hazards with the largest impacts on society. Although exceptionally devastating floods distort the trend, flood impact records show that the number of related fatalities is gradually decreasing thanks to, among others, better early warning systems; however, damages to land and property appear to be increasing due to insufficient prevention, economic growth and a lack of flood-sensitive land use planning. The Associated Programme on Flood Management (APFM) promotes an Integrated Flood Management approach...
Whether due to natural climate variability or climate change, the likelihood of extreme weather conditions is increasing. The impacts include more frequent and severe droughts, which affect the lives of millions of people and cause great economic losses. The Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP) provides advice and guidelines to communities, countries and regions affected by drought through the Integrated Drought Management HelpDesk.
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Enabling the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to enhance both human and institutional capacities in order to eradicate poverty, achieve internationally agreed development goals and enable graduation from the Least Developed Countries category.
Small Island Developing States and Member Island Territories are low-lying island nations that are highly vulnerable and often affected by weather extremes and climate change, including the increased severity of cyclones, storm surges, heavy rains, droughts, sea-level rise and ocean acidification. Investments in disaster risk reduction, including early warning systems and adaptation measures for critical sectors, are essential for building resilient communities and facilitating sustainable development.
Assisting in the capacity development of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) by improving human, technical and institutional capacities and infrastructure, particularly in developing, least developed and small island developing states and territories in order to enable them to deliver weather, climate and water-related services.
WIGOS provides the new overarching framework for all WMO observing systems and for WMO contributions to co-sponsored observing systems in support of all WMO activities.
Providing observations, modelling and analysis of marine and ocean variables to support research, assessments and operational ocean services worldwide.
Research activities focusing on high-impact weather – from basic research in the academic community to operational contributions.
Improving the availability of, and access to, reliable climate data, monitoring and forecasts.
