Protecting Tomorrow

Three people stand on a seaside observation deck with equipment, overlooking the ocean, beach, boats, and coastal buildings under a setting sun.

Every forecast we issue, every warning we disseminate, every dataset we exchange is ultimately about one thing: protecting tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s people. Tomorrow’s planet.

Accurate, timely and accessible meteorological, hydrological and climate data are the foundation of resilience. They will become more important in the future as the world approaches the inevitable overshoot of the 1.5°C target set out in the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. It is essential to try to limit the size and duration of this overshoot before it spirals out of control.

In addition to the risks, there are many opportunities.

We are living through a technological revolution. Artificial intelligence and advanced computing are transforming weather and climate science and have enormous potential to support climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.

AI is enhancing forecast skill and improving impact-based warnings and – if used equitably – will help developing countries without super-computers somersault to more advanced capabilities.

We must foster innovation whilst upholding trust. The capabilities delivered by AI must complement – not replace – the authoritative role of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services.

Human intelligence remains the bedrock of Artificial Intelligence.

Protecting tomorrow requires investing in education, training and opportunities for youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

It requires listening to the voices of young people who will live with the consequences of today’s decisions.

Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow – they are leaders today.

Around the world, young meteorologists, hydrologists, oceanographers and climate scientists are driving innovation and action.

WMO’s Youth Action Plan seeks to engage and empower the next generation of weather and climate professionals from all regions of the world.

World Meteorological Day reminds us that weather, climate and water connect us all.

When we observe today, we don’t just predict the weather, we protect tomorrow.