The World Meteorological Organization in a changing world
by Osvaldo F. Canziani

People have always been interested in weather and climate. Climate defines the feasibility of farming, cattle-raising, forestation and fishing. That no caravan of camels is seen in the Antarctic, nor schools of piranhas in Titicaca Lake, means that different species require specific environments. It goes without saying that deep changes in meteorological conditions, whether through climate variability or extreme events, create hazards affecting the productivity of plants and animals. >> More

Predictions will get sharper
Interview with Eugenia Kalnay

Better forecasts are a great scientific achievement, and will get sharper, says Eugenia Kalnay, winner of the 2009 International Meteorological Organization Prize. WMO has been in the forefront of the scientific collaboration to make this possible. Getting news about forecasts to the right audiences is the next challenge. >> More

WMO Fellowship Programme builds a global cadre

WMO has always put an accent on education and training – a key to success for technical development, as well as for management, public affairs, and administrative support. Training people in National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to influence their governments and citizens has become especially critical. >> More

Weather and climate forecasting: chronicle of a revolution
by Peter Lynch

Remarkable advances in weather forecasts during the past half-century have brought great benefits to humanity. Accurate forecasts save many lives, and early warnings mitigate the worst effects of extreme weather events, when they are available. Detailed, accurate forecasts are of huge economic value, with numerous studies showing that the benefits of forecasts outweigh the costs many times over. >> More

Improving cyclone warning Case study: Philippines
by Paula McCaslin, Tetsuo Nakazawa, Richard Swinbank and Zoltan Toth

Better cyclone prediction is a focus of international weather research. This case study of a 2009 typhoon that narrowly missed the Philippines gives a portrait of the scope for ensemble forecasting. >> More

Boosting food security
by Jim Salinger

Dr Salinger, former President of the WMO Commission for Agricultural Meteorology (2006-2010), outlines the Commission’s challenges in contributing to food security, building on its role over the last 60 years.
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Climate services can reverse downward spiral
Case study: Haiti
by Andrew Thow

Climate services are a key to supporting Haiti’s effort to rebuild its country, after the devastating earthquake early this year. >> More