What the Framework will do
The GFCS is a global partnership of governments and organizations that produce and use climate information and services. It seeks to enable researchers and the producers and users of information to join forces to improve the quality and quantity of climate services worldwide, particularly in developing countries.
The goals of the GFCS are:
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Reducing the vulnerability of society to climate-related hazards through better provision of climate services;
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Advancing the key global development goals through better provision of climate services;
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Mainstreaming the use of climate information in decision making. Promoting better uptake, understanding and awareness of the need for climate information and climate services; and demonstrating the value of the services in socio-economic, safety and sustainability terms;
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Strengthening the engagement of providers and users of climate services. Building relationships between providers and users of climate services at both the technical and decision-making levels; and
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Maximising the utility of existing climate service infrastructure. Improving coordination, and strengthening and building this infrastructure where needed.
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Origin of the Framework
The process for the development of the Framework was set in motion by Heads of States and government ministers in 2009 at the World Climate Conference-3, and has led to the development of the Implementation Plan. The Plan has involved extensive consultative and review processes.
Why invest in Climate Services?
Climate services enhance development opportunities and reduce vulnerability. Climate-sensitive developing countries stand to gain the most from better climate information but are often precisely where climate services are weakest. The Framework will give priority to capacity building in these countries.
Climate services are critical to preparing for climate change. Good management of climatic risks today is the foundation for managing the changed climatic risks of tomorrow. Adaptation, renewable energy, energy conservation and mitigation actions all depend on good climate information and climate services.
Climate services can improve the lives of billions of people. The widespread influence of climate and diverse uses of climate information across public policy and business decision making means that even small improvements in climate services can leverage enormous impacts, saving and improving lives.
The Framework has a unique and powerful mandate to strengthen and mobilize. All those with relevant interests - governments, expert organizations and user organizations – back the Framework as the means to strengthen existing capacities and achieve synergies and leverage in climate services.
Components of the Framework
- User Interface Platform — provide ways for climate service users and providers to interact and improve the effectiveness of the Framework and its climate services
- Climate Services Information System — produce and distribute climate data and information according to the needs of users and to agreed standards
- Observations and Monitoring – develop agreements and standards for generating necessary climate data.
- Research, Modeling and Prediction — harness science capabilities and results to meet the needs of climate services
- Capacity Building — support the systematic development of the institutions, infrastructure and human resources needed for effective climate services
Priority Areas
All climate-sensitive sectors can and will benefit from climate services. However, four areas have been identified by the High Level Task Force as urgent priorities and where the most short-term benefits could be obtained.
To learn more about what WMO is already doing in these areas, click on the links above.
Principles for implementing the Framework
- High priority for the needs of climate-vulnerable developing countries
- Primary focus is the better access and use of climate information by users
- Framework will address needs at three spatial scales: global, regional and national
- Climate services must be operational and continuously updated
- Climate information is primarily an international public good and governments will have a central role in the Framework
- Framework will encourage global, free and open exchange of climate-relevant data
- Framework will facilitate and strengthen - not duplicate
- The Framework will be built through partnerships
Milestones beyond extraordinary congress
Deadline |
Milestone |
End January 2013 |
Distribute the Implementation Plan to stakeholders after updating it with the outcomes of the Extraordinary Session of the World Meteorological Congress. This Plan will be considered at the inaugural meeting of the Intergovernmental Board |
End December 2013 |
Undertake the organisation building phase as described in the governance mechanisms approved by the Extraordinary Congress, including establishing a secretariat to support the Framework, establishing the necessary management and executive (technical) committee structures, convening the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Board and developing programmes to undertake immediate implementation priorities. |
End June 2013 |
Convene a series of forums to agree upon the management of individual demonstration projects. |
End December 2013 |
Convene a series of pillar-specific dialogues at global and regional levels (beginning in Africa) to organise management of activities. |
End December 2014 |
Complete demonstration projects from the priorities for the initial two years. |
- By end-2017, GFCS is expected to facilitate access to improved climate services globally in four priority sectors (agriculture, disaster risk reduction, health and water). Active technical committees for each component and an active communications program will be established. At least five United Nations entities will be involved, and GFCS will participate in at least US$ 150 million of climate-related development projects. A mid-term review of the implementation of the Framework will be completed.
- By end-2021, GFCS will have facilitated access to improved climate services globally across all climate sensitive sectors. At least eight United Nations entities will be involved, and GFCS will participate in at least US$ 250 million of climate-related development projects
Links
Links to GFCS relevant WMO programs and projects:
Climate Service related projects currently taking place with the cooperation of WMO:
Non-extensive set of links to institutions and/or initiatives related to/offering Climate Services (implementation):
Background Material:
