Opening Remarks on the occasion of the ASMC-WMO Regional Forum

Good morning Ms Grace Fu, esteemed Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, distinguished Permanent Representatives of ASEAN Member States with WMO, and honoured guests. I am Celeste Saulo, the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).  

We gather here today as an acknowledgment of the growing impacts of climate change, a challenge that affects every corner of our planet. The urgency of our situation is underscored by the data presented in the annual State of Climate reports, which highlight unprecedented changes in our environment and the existential threats that come with them.

In 2023, global temperatures soared to record levels, with an average increase of 1.45°C above pre-industrial levels, marking the warmest year on record. This alarming rise brings us dangerously close to the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement, a critical limit to prevent the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. The persistence of these high temperatures into 2024 is largely driven by the relentless increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide – key contributors to global warming – have all reached record levels, continuing a trend that shows no signs of slowing.

The consequences of these changes are profound. Ocean heat content has reached its highest levels in 65 years, driving sea-level rise and contributing to the increasing frequency of marine heatwaves, which devastate marine ecosystems. The global mean sea level has also hit a record observed high, and the rate of sea-level rise has more than doubled since the early 1990s, threatening coastal communities worldwide.

We are also witnessing other disturbing changes to our fragile earth system. The cryosphere, including glaciers and polar ice caps, is shrinking at an alarming rate. Antarctic sea ice has reached a record low, while Arctic Sea ice continues its significant decline. Glaciers, particularly in Europe and North America, have experienced extreme ice loss, further contributing to rising sea levels.

The Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscores that these changes are expected to exacerbate extreme weather events, such as flood-inducing rains, heatwaves, and droughts. Southeast Asia, one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, faces particularly stark consequences. Human-induced warming is already having significant impacts on ecosystems and societies, highlighting the urgent need for global action and regional collaboration.

To confront these challenges, investments in climate services and the underlying infrastructure and governance is essential. These services, which utilize data from observations, climate predictions, and projections, are critical for informing and managing climate-related risks and capitalizing on opportunities. They support adaptation and mitigation strategies, which are vital for promoting sustainable development and building resilience.

The Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), launched in 2012, has been instrumental in advancing the development, use, and dissemination of climate services. As GFCS enters a new phase from 2023 onward, its focus will shift to enhancing the capacity of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), supporting key national policy documents such as National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and disaster risk reduction strategies, and improving coordination through National Frameworks for Climate Services. By setting standards and collaborating with entities like the IPCC, GFCS aims to deliver consistent and reliable climate information, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure. Climate model predictions and projections play a crucial role in creating tailored climate services that guide adaptation and risk management efforts. However, many regions still lack the necessary expertise and infrastructure to develop these services, including sound early warning systems, underscoring the importance of international support and collaboration.

In light of these challenges, the United Nations Secretary-General launched the Early Warnings for All initiative in 2022. This ambitious initiative aims to protect every person on Earth with early warning systems by 2027. Achieving this goal will require close coordination between and among Member States, the United Nations system, and a wide range of partners, many of whom are present here today. We are especially pleased to welcome representatives from Cambodia and Lao PDR, two of the initial focus countries for the Early Warnings for All initiative in the ASEAN region. Their experiences and insights will be invaluable as we work together to enhance climate resilience and scale up the ambitious initiative to the region and the world.

Over the next two and a half days, we will engage in rich discussions, share invaluable experiences, and forge partnerships that will enable us to unlock the full potential of innovative solutions. This Forum is not just about conversation; it is a springboard for action. We hope it empowers you to translate these discussions into concrete outcomes, building tangible steps toward a more climate-resilient and weather-ready future for your countries and the ASEAN region.

Allow me to refer to the recent designation of Singapore to host the first Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre for the WMO Vegetation Fire and Smoke Pollution Warning Advisory and Assessment System (VFSP-WAS) in Regional Association V - congratulations. We know that the vicious cycle of climate change, wildfires and air pollution is having a spiralling negative impact on human health, agriculture, and ecosystem services. This Saturday, on the Clean Air for Blue Skies, WMO will release a new Air Quality and Climate Bulletin, which will include a special focus on wildfires. Smoke from wildfires contains toxic chemicals and damages ecosystems and crops – and leads to more carbon emissions, So climate change and air quality cannot be treated separately. They go hand-in-hand and must be tackled together.

Before we proceed with the Forum’s programme, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the ASEAN Specialised  Meteorological Centre (ASMC) for proposing this crucial event with the aim to increase awareness among stakeholders on the application of climate services to enhance the region’s resilience.  WMO is committed to working with the ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre to strengthen weather and climate services in the region and ensure all people everywhere are protected by life-saving early warning systems. Finally, this event is possible thanks to the tireless efforts of the organizing committee, both from ASMC and our colleagues from the WMO Regional Office for Asia and the South-West Pacific. I thank them all for their dedication.

Now, let this Forum mark the beginning of a new chapter in our efforts to enhance climate resilience in Southeast Asia and beyond. Together, let us work to write a story of hope, where communities thrive in the face of change.