29 January 2010: The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) convened, in cooperation with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the 42nd session of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee.
The session, which took place in Singapore from 25-29 January 2010, focused on the effect of climate change on tropical cyclones in the Asia Pacific region, as climate models project fewer but more intense tropical cyclones in the area in a warmer climate. Given that high damage caused by tropical cyclones usually happens in populous cities when they bring heavy rainfall, the Committee identified urban flood risk management as a key area for future work. The Typhoon Committee works to reduce the damage caused by typhoons and floods by coordinating the efforts of its members, as well as recommending ways to increase community preparedness, and improve meteorological and hydrological facilities. [UNESCAP Press Release]