World Meteorological Organisation UPSC NOTE

 Why in News

• The 2011-2020 decade, though warmest ever recorded in history, saw the lowest number of deaths from extreme events, said a report from the WMO.

• The agency attributed this to an improvement in the “early warning system” driven by improvements in forecasting and better disaster management. 

• In India, for instance, improvements in forecasting cyclone formation and the time it took to reach land have led to greater preparedness and evacuation of those most at risk.

WMO

• The WMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for international cooperation on atmospheric science, climatology, hydrology, and related geophysical sciences. 

• It was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

• The WMO's mission is to provide leadership and expertise in weather, climate, and water observations, analysis, and prediction, and to promote the development and application of meteorological and hydrological services for the benefit of society. 

• The organization works to facilitate the exchange of data and information between its 193 member countries and territories, and to promote the implementation of international standards and practices.

The WMO's work has a wide range of applications,

 

1. Weather forecasting: The WMO provides weather forecasts and warnings to help people prepare for and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

2. Climate change monitoring and adaptation: The WMO monitors the state of the Earth's climate and provides scientific information

to support climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.

1. Water resource management: The WMO provides water resource management information and tools to help countries manage their water resources sustainably.

2. Disaster preparedness and mitigation: The WMO provides early warning systems and other tools to help countries prepare for and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters.

• The WMO is a vital organization that plays an essential role in protecting human life and property from natural hazards, and in promoting sustainable development.