WCC-3 news archive
November 2008
December 2008
January 2009
February 2009
March 2009
April 2009
May 2009
June 2009
July 2009
Also see: WCC-3 press releases
July news
Global weather presenters meeting at WCC-3
Weather presenters from around the world will meet at the World Climate Broadcasts Forum on 2 September 2009. Convened by WMO at WCC-3, the Forum is an initiative of professional weather presenters’ associations who see a pressing societal need for broadcast meteorology to embrace climate outlooks. Speakers will include representatives from the International Association of Broadcast Meteorology, the Forum International de la Météo, the Climate Broadcasters Network-Europe and the American Meteorological Society. For more information, see the preliminary programme.
Right after WCC-3, from 4 to 5 September, the International Conference on Broadcast Media and Climate Change: A Public Service Remit will take place at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France. It is organized by UNESCO in partnership with United Nations Environment Programme, regional broadcasting unions and other international broadcasting organizations. For more, visit UNESCO’s Website.
Consultations continue on the Global Framework for Climate Services
The Global Framework for Climate Services, the major expected outcome of WCC-3, continues to be under consultation by stakeholders at the international and national levels. During the WCC-3 High-Level Segment, a Conference Declaration is expected to endorse a strategy for implementing the Framework.
For more information, please see WMO Press release No. 856. "Efforts under way towards a Global Framework for Climate Services," 30 June 2009, and the Expected outcomes online.
Global experts to discuss climate capabilities and needs
WCC-3 will bring together an impressive gathering of international scientists and sectoral experts to discuss and propose actions to improve capabilities for providing climate services and the needs of users. Together, their proposals will form the basis for a Conference Declaration that will recommend ways to strengthen the development and provision of climate services for all. See detailed speakers’ information.
June news
Efforts under way towards a Global Framework for Climate Services
While intensive negotiations are ongoing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change, the international community is developing tools for adapting to climate variability and change. WCC-3 aims at initiating a Global Framework for Climate Services to manage climate-related risks and boost climate adaptation. The Global Framework consists of four main components: a renewed commitment to climate observations; strengthened focus on climate modelling and prediction research; a new Climate Services Information System; and a new Climate Services Application Programme, which provides opportunity for interface between climate information providers and users. Through these components, the Framework aims to build capacity in developing countries and to support the application of climate services for climate-resilient development.
For more information, please see WMO Press Release No. 856. "Efforts under way towards a Global Framework for Climate Services," 30 June 2009.
WCC-3 media kit launched
The WCC-3 media kit was launched today at a press conference at the United Nations Office in Geneva by WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud. Other press conferences on the theme “Towards a Global Framework for Climate Services” also took place in Brussels, Nairobi, St Petersburg and Santiago de Chile. These press conferences included the participation of senior government officials, United Nations Information Centres and the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services.
Global art project during WCC-3
On the occasion of WCC-3, Global HeART Warming will invite a number of students from schools in the Geneva, Switzerland, area to participate in a workshop led by professional artists to design and produce art pieces. Additionally, an “International Poster Art Collective for Climate Change” will showcase the works of 10 artists from around the world. For more information, visit the WCC-3 events page.
Other climate-related news
For other climate-related news, see recent WMO press releases:
"Governments must invest today for a safer tomorrow: pivotal disaster risk reduction conference opens in Geneva ", 16 June 2009
"WMO Executive Council prioritzes climate information for society needs ", 12 June 2009
See general WMO news.
May news
Bringing youth messages to WCC-3
WMO and the GLOBE Program are inviting young people to create compelling short messages on the topic: “Youth working to solve local problems through weather and climate research”. A selection of the messages submitted will be displayed at WCC-3. For more visit GLOBE.
WCC-3 high on agenda for WMO executive meeting
From 3 June to 12 June, the WMO Executive Council is meeting to recommend new strategic directions for addressing major global societal needs through weather, climate and water information. High on the agenda is WCC-3, whose progress the Council will review to help push forward the Conference’s objectives and outcomes.
For more on the Executive Council meeting, see WMO Press Release No. 850.
Building a Global Framework for Climate Services
On 20 May 2009, the permanent missions to the United Nations in Geneva met to discuss a strategy to establish a Global Framework for Climate Services that would enable climate adaptation and climate risk management through the incorporation of science-based climate information and prediction into policy and practice at all levels. Countries are now consulting on the Conference declaration to establish the framework, with the next consultation meeting slated for mid-June.
Weather broadcasters to discuss public need for climate outlooks
The public increasingly needs information beyond existing weather bulletins to plan ahead and make decisions in the light of climate change. To address that concern, the World Climate Broadcasts Forum on 2 September 2009 is being convened by WMO at WCC-3. It is an initiative of professional weather presenters’ associations who see a pressing societal need for broadcast meteorology to embrace climate outlooks. The event will bring together weather presenters from both developed and developing countries. It will be the first ever such meeting to involve the many weather broadcasting professional associations, including the International Association of Broadcast Meteorology, the Forum International de la Météo, the Climate Broadcasters Network-Europe and the American Meteorological Society. For more, see WMO Press Release No. 844.
New commitments to WCC-3 Trust Fund
In recent weeks, the WCC-3 Trust Fund has received new financial commitments from China, France, Pakistan and the United States of America. As of 1 June 2009, contributions and commitments had been received from the Governments of Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Namibia, Norway, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland and the United States of America, as well as the European Commission, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme. The Conference is made possible through extra-budgetary contributions to the Trust Fund and in-kind services from sponsors.
Energy workshop in Geneva
On 23 June, the workshop “Climate information for the energy sector” will take place at the Graduate Institute for International and Development Studies in Geneva, part of a a one-year project sponsored by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment on how to improve communication between scientists and policy-makers. Led by the Centre for International Governance (CIG), the project links scientific research with the agenda of WCC-3. The CIG most recently held a workshop “Poverty reduction and adaptation to climate change”. It plans a side-event during WCC-3 as well.
Other climate-related news
For other climate-related news, see recent WMO press releases:
"Farmers stress overriding importance of free access to accurate weather and climate forecasts", 20 May 2009
"Anticipated increase in natural hazards requires strong commitment to early warnings and risk management", 17 May 2009
April news
WCC-3 on adaptation agenda in Bonn climate talks
On 31 March 2009, WCC-3 was featured in a side event during the Bonn Climate Change Talks. Presentations focused on how WCC-3 will provide a pathway for improved climate services for adaptation. Speakers included Buruhani Nyenzi of the WCC-3 Secretariat; Roberto Acosta of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; Giampiero Maracchi of the Institut de Biométéorologie, Conseil National de la Recherche, Florence; John Zillman, Chair of the WCC-3 International Organizing Committee; and José Romero of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment. For a Webcast of the event, visit the UNFCCC.
Climate impacts on human health
Climate variability and change impact human health in a variety of ways. Transmission and spreading of water- and vector-borne diseases, air pollution patterns and the frequency and intensity of weather and climate extreme events are all affected by climate, as was highlighted on 7 April 2009, World Health Day. The focus of celebrations by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its international partners was on making hospitals safe during emergencies. As climate change threatens to increase the intensity and frequency of natural hazards, having accurate and timely climate information and predictions becomes increasingly relevant. Among the key topics for discussion at WCC-3 will be how to effectively issue early warnings of meteorological, hydrological and climate hazards to reduce the loss of lives and destruction of property associated with extreme events. Michel Jarraud, WMO Secretary-General, commented on early warning systems in an interview for the WHO documentary "Make hospitals safe in emergencies".
Workshop on climate and humanitarian activities
On 30 April 2009, a workshop on “Climate information for humanitarian and development activities" took place at the Graduate Institute for International and Development Studies in Geneva, part of a a one-year project sponsored by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment on how to improve communication between scientists and policy-makers. Led by the Centre for International Governance (CIG), the project links scientific research with the agenda of WCC-3. The CIG will hold two more workshops and a side-event during the WCC-3 as well. The 30 April workshop explored the question of which climate information is most valuable for people and institutions working in humanitarian affairs.
WCC-3 registration is now open
Those people interested in attending WCC-3 can now register online. Register now for a discounted registration fee: € 300. The cost to register increases after 1 May, and late registration is available from 31 July until the Conference, 31 August to 4 September. Student registrants receive a 50 per cent discount. The Conference aims to bring together climate and interdisciplinary scientists, business leaders and decision-makers and high-level policy-makers.
For more, visit the online registration page.
Climate change public service announcement now available
During the US presidential inauguration, CNN International aired a WMO public service announcement on climate change, which has also been aired on various other channels, including TV5Monde and RTBF satellite and Belgian channels. The public service announcement is now available in 15-, 30- and 60-second versions in an international format that allows for a voiceover in a language of choice. The public service announcement emphasizes the role of climate information and predictions, provided by National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, in addressing social issues.
WCC-3 in the news
“Bracing for global climate change is a local challenge,” Science News, 11 April 2009
«Prévisions météo à 10 ans, nouveau Graal» (in French), Le Temps, 6 April 2009
March news
WCC-3 highlighted at World Water Forum
At the 5th World Water Forum, held from 16-22 March in Istanbul, Turkey, information about WCC-3 was widely disseminated to engage users of climate information from the water sector. In a key note address during the opening session on disaster management, WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud highlighted the importance of enhancing climate information and services, and the ongoing process leading up to WCC-3 and beyond. WCC-3’s message was also highlighted in the Forum’s proceedings on global change and risk management. Additionally, WMO through its exhibition booths, as well as the booths of the Swiss and Spanish Governments, distributed WCC-3 promotional materials.
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HE Kenneth Konga (centre), Minister of Energy and Water Development of Zambia, discusses WCC-3 with Avinash Tyagi (left), Director of Climate and Water Department at WMO, and Mohamed Tawfik, Chief of the Basic Systems in Hydrology Division at WMO, at the World Water Forum in Istanbul. | |
Climate’s links to the air we breathe
On 23 March, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services around the world celebrated World Meteorological Day and called attention to the critical ways in which weather, climate and air quality are linked. As highlighted in speeches in Geneva at WMO headquarters, the same activities that produce climate change-related gases and particles also create pollution. Likewise, pollution can change global and regional climate patterns — for example when particles from fires or sand storms change the amount of sunlight reflected into space. Timely and accurate information on climate enhances efforts to protect human health, which is a key topic for discussion at WCC-3. For the full programme from the day’s events, as well as a press release and booklet, visit the World Meteorological Day Webpage.
WCC-3 in the news
“Climate variation don’t invalidate the reality of global warming”,
Washington Post, 21 March 2009
“Weather, climate and the air we breathe”, Solomon Star, 23 March 2009
” World Climate Conference 3 brings together top politicians, decision-makers and climate experts” (in English), ”World Climate Conference 3 samlar internationella toppolitiker, beslutsfattare och klimatexperter” (in Swedish), SMHI, 25 March 2009
February news
WCC-3 featured at polar research events
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| WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud speaks at the opening ceremony of Our Polar Heritage, a photo exhibtion for the International Polar Year. | |
On 24 February 2009, WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud highlighted WCC-3 at the opening of Our Polar Heritage, a photo exhibition of scientists at work during the International Polar Year (IPY), at the United Nations. Multidisciplinary research from IPY (2007-2008) is providing new evidence of the widespread effects of global warming in the polar regions. At the event, Mr Jarraud stressed the importance of this research in informing climate science and adaptation. Other speakers at the photo exhibition’s opening, including Sergei Ordzhonikidze, Director-General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, and Ambassador Marius Grinius, the Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, addressed the need for information about our changing climate.
On 25 February, at a ceremony at WMO to release the results of the two-year IPY research collaboration, attendees learned about WCC-3 through a statement by Mr Jarraud and through information materials handed out at the event.
Our Polar Heritage will be on display during WCC-3 this September as well. For more, visit the IPY Website.
Round table about WCC-3 discusses the need for climate adaptation
On 23 February 2009, Buruhani Nyenzi, Director of the WCC-3 Secretariat at WMO, and Jose Romero, Head of Rio Conventions at the Swiss Federal Office of Environment Forests and Landscape and Chair of the WCC-3 High-Level Committee, participated in a public round-table entitled “World Climate Conference 3: how to adapt to climate change.” Organized by the Graduate Institute for International and Development Studies (HEI) and moderated by Urs Luterbacher, a professor of political Science at HEI, it was attended by more than 75 representatives from institutions, international organizations and missions. Other speakers included: Martin Beniston, Chair for Climate Research at the University of Geneva; Liliana B. Andonova, a political science professor at HEI; Lisa Brodey, First Secretary at the US Mission; and Bhupider Tomar, Senior Officer at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
European Meteorological Society to sponsor a young scientist at WCC-3
The European Meteorological Society invites applications for a Young Scientist Travel Award to support the participation of young scientists at WCC-3. The award includes financial support for travel expenditure of Є 500. For more, please see their announcement.
Journalists workshop to take place at WCC-3
Media 21 and WMO are collaborating to bring to WCC-3 a workshop for journalists. The workshop, Living with Climate Change, will bring together 20 to 30 experienced editors, reporters and producers from five continents, particularly countries deeply affected by climate change. These journalists will not only learn from each other during the workshop but also directly cover the Conference and participate in the 2 September round table on communicating climate information.
Ambassadors and representatives briefed on WCC-3
On 3 February 2009, more than 100 ambassadors and other senior representatives from permanent missions to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva were briefed at WMO headquarters about WCC-3. The meeting was chaired by HE Ambassador Dante Martinelli of Switzerland, host country of the Conference. Ms Gabriela Seiz of MeteoSuisse gave a presentation about the benefits of climate services to policy-makers, socio-economic sectors and civil society. Mr José Romero, Head of Rio Conventions at the Swiss Federal Office of Environment Forests and Landscape and Chair of the WCC-3 High-Level Committee, focused on the Conference Declaration that is expected to communicate the outcomes of WCC-3. WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud situated the Conference within global efforts to address climate change and its impacts, and WCC-3 secretariat Director Buruhani Nyenzi set out the expected outcomes, explaining how the Conference will contribute to enhanced climate services for socio-economic benefit.
January News
Growing Government support for WCC-3
Denmark, Italy, the Russian Federation and Saudi Arabia are the latest additions to WCC-3’s growing list of sponsors. With the focus of the Conference on the decision-making process, increasing numbers of governments worldwide are participating in its organization. Other WCC-3 sponsors are Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Kenya, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and the United States of America, as well as the European Commission. Switzerland is also the Conference’s host.
WMO promotes a climate-neutral WCC-3
In recognition of the critical need to enhance global action on climate change mitigation, WMO is promoting a climate-neutral WCC-3. The United Nations assigns climate neutrality to an organization or event that has a zero net contribution to the atmosphere of all greenhouse gases identified in the Kyoto Protocol. In planning WCC-3, WMO is adopting a green strategy by using electronic means of communication in lieu of print, including announcements and flyers sent via e-mail, Web, video- and teleconferencing. All Conference participants are encouraged to actively help reduce the climate footprint of WCC-3.
For more on this green initiative, visit the WCC-3 page on climate neutrality.
Calendars highlight WCC-3 across societal sectors
WCC-3 desk calendars are available now. These attractive and compact calendars highlight the various sectors affected by climate variability and change and how WMO programmes facilitate the application of climate information to a full range of socio-economic challenges. Contact the WCC-3 Secretariat for more.
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The WCC-3 desktop calendar is now available. |
December News
WMO highlights WCC-3 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference
The WMO booth at the UN Climate Change Conference in Poznan highlighted WCC-3 and attracted wide interest. Credit: WMO. |
Policy-makers, scientists and civil society at large learned more about WCC-3 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland, 1-12 December. On 10 December, WMO Secretary-General, Michel Jarraud, announced the upcoming Conference to the public, stressing how it will spur global action to improve society’s resilience to climate risks both now and in the future.
At other events in Poznan, WMO scientists and their partners discussed the historic legacy of past world climate conferences and the need for societies to integrate climate information into decision-making for virtually all socio-economic sectors, as well as efforts to involve youth in WCC-3. The WMO booth attracted broad interest in WCC-3, receiving assistance from the Polish Institute of Meteorology and Water Management in highlighting the upcoming conference. In a statement on 11 December, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted WCC-3 as an event to look forward to.
For more, see:
"Towards a global framework for using climate Information for planning ahead"
WMO issues its Statement on the Status of the Global Climate in 2008
The preliminary Status of Global Climate in 2008, released on 16 December 2008, by WMO Secretary-General, Michel Jarraud noted that 2008 was among the 10 warmest years on record and had been marked by weather extremes worldwide. Climate predictions and information provide vital baseline information for communities to prepare for and respond to severe weather and climate extremes to avert disasters. Several sessions at WCC-3 will address the need to better use climate information for disaster risk reduction and management.
For more, see:
"2008 among the ten warmest years; marked by weather extremes and second-lowest level of arctic ice cover"
Ambassadors from permanent missions in Geneva briefed on WCC-3
On 16 December, Michel Jarraud, WMO Secretary-General, briefed a packed room of ambassadors and other representatives from the permanent missions to the United Nations in Geneva on the status of WCC-3. He invited wide participation and support by all countries in the Conference, especially the high-level segment. Mr Jarraud informed the ambassadors of his intention to hold a special briefing session on WCC-3 in January 2009.
Bangladesh to strengthen its agrometeorological services
A satellite view of Bangladesh from October 2001. |
WMO is assisting the Bangladesh Meteorological Department in upgrading and strengthening its forecasting and other climate services for farmers and participated in a national seminar on the topic in Dhaka on 17 December. Changing climate conditions are likely to exacerbate drought and flood events in Bangladesh, making accurate seasonal climate predictions vital for the climate-sensitive region. WCC-3 will discuss the need for such predictions and services worldwide, to enable farmers, water managers and others to cope with current and future changes.
For more see:
"Bangladesh to strengthen weather and climate services for the argicultural community"
November news
Weather presenters to participate in WCC-3
After presentations on WCC-3 to the International Weather Forum and the International Association for Broadcast Meteorology in Brussels, Belgium, on 8 November, WMO is working to actively involve weather presenters in WCC-3 in Geneva next September. The goal is to have a delegation of weather broadcasters who will participate in the Conference’s round-table discussion on communicating about climate and will also hold training sessions on skills for presenting climate information to the public.
WMO works on WCC-3 substantive outcome
In coordination with partners, WMO has begun preparation of a global framework for climate information, which is expected to be launched at WCC-3. The WCC-3 framework will make reliable and timely climate predictions and information accessible for all to use for planning ahead. At WCC-3, scientists, climate information users and providers, as well as decision-makers, will discuss how to strengthen seasonal to multi-decadal climate predictions and integrate them into this new framework for strengthened application of climate information in key socio-economic sectors.
Climate Sense publication for WCC-3 seeking scientific contributions
On the occasion on WCC-3, WMO and Tudor Rose are collaborating on the publication Climate Sense. This fully illustrated 250-page book will carry articles on weather, climate and water services at international, regional, national, municipal and local levels of activity. The articles will draw upon experiences around the world reflecting how people are using climate information to improve their lives. For more information, see the publication flyer and contact Sean Nicklin if interested in contributing an article.
WMO Secretary-General addresses telecomm experts on climate change
Michel Jarraud, WMO Secretary-General, dicusses climate change in an interview at the recent ITU meeting. |
On 12 November, Michel Jarraud, Secretary-General of WMO, addressed the High-Level Segment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council in Geneva about climate change, which was a key theme of the meeting. He invited ITU to participate in WCC-3, stressing the need “to support policy formulation and decision-making involving climate change impacts on socially sensitive sectors such as water resources, health and food security, as well as to strengthen capacity-building in climate risk management.” For more, read his statement online and see his spot interview on YouTube.
WMO Secretary-General calls for African leadership to participate at WCC-3
On 14 November, Michel Jarraud, Secretary-General of WMO, as guest of honour of the Meeting of the African Group at Ambassadorial Level, briefed the African Union Permanent Delegation on the importance of climate information for disaster risk reduction, food security and other vital socio-economic sectors. He called for the participation of African leaders at WCC-3.
Other climate-related news
See these recent WMO press releases and info notes:
Experts tackle climate change challenges to agriculture, forestry and fisheries
WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin 2007: Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels reach new highs
"A better understanding of the effects of global aerosol pollution on rain and snow would significantly improve weather and climate prediction," release on 28 November of the new international scientific review Aerosol Pollution Impact on Precipitation, published jointly by WMO and the International Union for Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG).
See general WMO news.
For more on WCC-3 news, contact Lisa M.P. Munoz, +41 22 730 8213.
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