2 September 2014: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) launched a Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) partnership for strengthening weather and climate services in small island developing States (SIDS). The launch took place during the Third International Conference on SIDS taking place in Apia, Samoa, from 1-4 September.

While many SIDS are already providing effective weather and climate services in their respective countries, WMO notes, they remain isolated geographically and highly exposed to risks from extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change. Since 1970, more than 650 hydrometeorological disasters have hit SIDS, affecting more than 35 million people and causing approximately US$34 billion in damage.

The GFCS partnership aims to: reinforce SIDS’ capacity to cope with weather, climate and water-related extreme events; strengthen preparedness and multi-hazard early warning systems; improve access to timely and user-friendly weather and climate information; and contribute to sustainable development and climate adaptation by integrating weather and climate information into the decision-making process. Initially, the partnership will focus on those economic sectors, which are particularly sensitive to weather and climate, including agriculture and food security, disaster risk, health and water resource management.

The following results are expected from the partnership through 2019, inter alia: improved delivery of weather and climate information services; enhanced human and technical capacities at national and regional climate centers; an increased range of products and services delivered to stakeholders; and expansion of the infrastructure required for weather and climate research and services. [WMO Press Release] [GFCS Website]