8 July 2013
WMO, IFRC to Collaborate on Reducing Risks of Climate-related Hazards
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Responding to concerns over the increasing frequency, severity and cost of disasters related to extreme weather and climate events, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen their collaboration on reducing the risks of climate-related hazards.

IFRC-and-WMO-signed-MOU3 July 2013: Responding to concerns over the increasing frequency, severity and cost of disasters related to extreme weather and climate events, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen their collaboration on reducing the risks of climate-related hazards.

WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud and IFRC Secretary-General Bekele Geleta signed the MOU on the sidelines of the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Board on Climate Services, which oversees the implementation of the Global Framework on Climate Services (GFCS).

The MOU reflects the importance of making science-based climate information and prediction accessible and understandable to local actors and communities. It sets out the intention of the two organizations to strengthen cooperation on disaster risk reduction (DRR), including through joint activities on building capacity, and promoting public education and awareness.

According to IFRC Secretary-General Geleta, the partnership will enable the provision of improved services for those most vulnerable to climate-related hazards. IFRC also pledged its commitment to continue working closely with the WMO and other partners to transform policy into action.

IFRC is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network, reaching 150 million people each year through its 187 member National Societies. [WMO Press Release][IFRC Press Release]

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