Speech for the Launch Event of the 2024 State of Climate Services Report
Honored guests, esteemed partners, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great privilege to be here today to speak at the launch of the 2024 State of Climate Services Report. First and foremost, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all of the partners who have made this vital report possible. A special thanks to the founding partners present today—the Green Climate Fund, the Global Environment Facility, and the Adaptation Fund—whose support has been instrumental in shaping this report and advancing global efforts to address the climate crisis.
This report, produced by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), is a cornerstone in the global conversation on climate resilience and adaptation. It provides crucial insights for communities, development partners, and policymakers around the world, offering the tools necessary to make informed decisions that protect lives, build resilience, and promote sustainable growth.
As we all know, climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is here, and its impacts are intensifying. The need for high-quality, accessible climate services has never been more urgent. For nations striving to protect their people and communities, these services are not just a matter of environmental protection—they are a matter of human survival. Climate services are essential to safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and the future of our planet.
The WMO has been issuing annual State of Climate Services reports since 2019, following a call from the UNFCCC COP for more comprehensive information on the adaptation needs of countries. Today, the 2024 report highlights the remarkable progress we have made in this area, while also underscoring the need for continued and urgent action.
This report is much more than just a collection of data—it is a tool for tracking progress and inspiring action. It not only provides a snapshot of current climate services investments from climate finance institutions and multilateral development banks, but it also paints a clear picture of countries’ evolving climate service capacities. The message is clear: climate services are making a difference.
The 2024 report also brings some good news. Over the past five years, we have witnessed substantial progress in enhancing climate service capacities, especially in regions highly vulnerable to climate change. In countries across Asia and Africa, targeted adaptation funding has helped build the infrastructure and capabilities needed to monitor, predict, and respond to climate threats. This progress is vital for supporting resilience, mitigation, and adaptation efforts at the national level.
However, we cannot ignore the fact that climate impacts are intensifying. This year, 2024, is on track to become the warmest year on record. The frequency and intensity of climate extremes—floods, storms, heatwaves—are growing at an alarming rate. Just from 2020 to mid-2024, floods were the most frequently reported climate-related disaster, yet it is heat-related hazards that have tragically become the leading cause of death, accounting for 57% of all climate-related fatalities. At the same time, storms have caused the greatest economic losses, contributing to 59% of the total global costs.
But while the data paints a stark picture, it also shows us that action is possible. The report includes positive stories from around the world, highlighting how climate services are already driving positive change. These stories are not just about challenges; they are about the solutions that are being found every day.
For instance, through the example of Seychelles, we see how nations in the South West Indian Ocean are working together to advance climate action. The collaboration between countries, governments, and international partners in the region has demonstrated how climate services can be leveraged to create adaptation strategies that support both local communities and national development goals.
This report aims to do more than just share data—it aims to inspire action. Through storytelling, we can show how countries around the world are using climate services to shape their own futures. These stories will help us advocate for greater investment in climate services, reinforce our global commitments to a climate-resilient future, and encourage other countries to follow suit.
Together, we can achieve more. Let us join forces to ensure that every country, community, and individual has access to the climate services they need to protect lives and build a sustainable future.
Thank you.
