The challenges that the WMO seeks to tackle include facilitating the development of the integrated space-based observing system component of the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS), involving operational and research and development (R&D) environmental satellites, data sharing and access, promoting utilization of satellite data and products, building capacity for weather, climate, water and related application areas, especially in support of WMO Members that have limited resources , and keeping up with rapidly evolving technology.
Satellite data and products have a wide range of applications serving hydrometeorology and environmental monitoring, such as nowcasting, numerical weather prediction (NWP), climate research and prediction, global temperature measurements, atmospheric humidity and temperature measurements, ocean dynamics research, volcanic eruption monitoring, forest fire detection, global vegetation analysis, etc. The satellite data is crucial in disaster risk reduction and determining long-term changes in global climate conditions.
However, various challenges are involved, including facilitating data sharing and access, maintaining data quality and accuracy, building capacity in developing nations, and keeping up with constantly evolving technology. WMO strives to overcome these challenges to improve weather, water, climate and environmental services by enabling Members to utilize satellite data for the greater good of society.