The Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) – an innovative financing mechanism that supports countries in closing the basic weather and climate observations data gap – opened for contributions to raise USD 200 million towards a climate impact bond. The instrument seeks initial capitalization of USD 200 million by the end of 2026. If backed, it is expected to help increase internationally shared weather and climate data five-fold.

Announced on 14 November during the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 30), the Systematic Observation Impact Bond would enable 30 least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS) to meet the requirements of the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) – the internationally agreed standard for surface-weather and climate observations.

“If we fail to close the adaptation and data gap now, we are simply locking in far higher costs and risks for the future,” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen. “This proposed bond shows how public and private finance could unite to support resilience and safeguard lives in a changing climate,” she emphasized.

SOFF is a UN fund established in 2022 by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the UN Development Programme (UNDP). It provides grants and peer-to-peer technical assistance to countries that have the most severe shortfalls in observations, prioritizing LDCs and SIDS. SOFF supports and accelerates the sustained collection and international exchange of weather and climate observations data, which helps strengthen forecasts, improve early warnings, and support climate-resilient development.

According to a UNEP press release citing a study by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), closing the weather and climate data gap in LDCs and SIDS can reduce errors in weather forecasts by 30% in Africa and 20% in the Pacific. “Additional internationally shared data improves local forecasts within 12 hours and forecasts across the globe within three to four days,” it notes. This contributes to better preparedness and better resilience, ultimately saving lives and safeguarding livelihoods. 

In addition, as World Bank data suggest, USD 5 billion in direct annual benefits could result from closing the global basic weather and climate data gap, as well as “USD 160 billion in wider economic gains across key sectors such as agriculture, energy, water, and transport.” [UNEP Press Release]