As the impacts of climate change become increasingly severe, the importance of climate services in supporting mitigation, adaptation, and resilience-building has never been greater. Climate services provide essential climate information that helps individuals, businesses, and governments make informed decisions to reduce risks and safeguard the future. Yet, despite the progress made in recent years, significant gaps remain in the availability, accessibility, and funding of these services, leaving vulnerable communities at risk.
A recent flagship report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in collaboration with multiple agencies, highlights the urgency for improved climate services. Titled the State of Climate Services, the report underscores a growing demand for reliable climate information as extreme weather events and environmental shifts escalate globally. Whether it is early warning systems for storms, data on changing rainfall patterns, or forecasts to manage agricultural cycles, these services are pivotal for climate action.
The report notes significant advancements in climate services across parts of Asia and Africa, where investments have begun to strengthen national meteorological capabilities. Improved weather forecasts and early warning systems have already helped save lives and protect livelihoods in some regions prone to extreme climate events. For example, enhanced data sharing and risk mapping allow local communities to better prepare for floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
However, the WMO also highlights major gaps in funding and infrastructure that hinder the effective use of climate services. While global adaptation efforts continue to grow, investments in climate services lag far behind the pressing needs of nations, especially in the Global South. This imbalance creates challenges for the most climate-vulnerable regions, where reliable and timely information is critical for survival and sustainable development.
Climate adaptation funding must be guided by accurate and accessible climate services to achieve meaningful impact. Decision-makers need robust data to understand evolving climate risks and prioritize investments accordingly. For instance, climate-informed urban planning can help cities adapt to rising temperatures, while agricultural advisories based on precise climate forecasts can improve food security. Without this data, adaptation strategies risk being ineffective or misaligned with on-the-ground realities.
The path forward requires a collaborative global effort to invest in climate services, enhance data sharing, and build technical capacity. Governments, private sector actors, and international organizations must work together to close the gaps and ensure that climate services reach those who need them most. As climate challenges intensify, robust and reliable climate information will be indispensable in shaping a more resilient and sustainable world.
In the face of an unpredictable climate future, climate services are not merely an option; they are a necessity. By prioritizing investment and innovation, we can empower communities and nations to take informed action and turn climate risks into opportunities for a safer tomorrow.
