WMO Calls for Increased Investment in Climate Observation Technologies
24/03/2008
There has been a global call for increased investment in weather, climate and hydrological observation technologies to help populations and economies adapt to climate change and climate variability and to prepare for extreme weather.
The call came from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as marked World Meteorological Day on Sunday 23 March under the theme "Observing our Planet for a Better Future." The head of WMO Michel Jarraud says "national Meteorological and Hydrological services can significantly reduce the impact caused by such extreme weather events by providing appropriate services and information, including forecasts and early warnings to governments, the public and the media."
He says while "it is not possible to prevent natural hazards, the loss of lives and the damage that they cause can be minimized through risk management based on better observations."
Nine out of 10 natural disasters are linked to hydro-meteorological hazards, which between 1980 and 2000 killed 1.2 million people and caused more than US$900 billion in economic losses.
The call came from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as marked World Meteorological Day on Sunday 23 March under the theme "Observing our Planet for a Better Future." The head of WMO Michel Jarraud says "national Meteorological and Hydrological services can significantly reduce the impact caused by such extreme weather events by providing appropriate services and information, including forecasts and early warnings to governments, the public and the media."
He says while "it is not possible to prevent natural hazards, the loss of lives and the damage that they cause can be minimized through risk management based on better observations."
Nine out of 10 natural disasters are linked to hydro-meteorological hazards, which between 1980 and 2000 killed 1.2 million people and caused more than US$900 billion in economic losses.
http://www.un.org/radio/detail/9139.html