A WMO magazine article, titled "Climate Services based on Climate Predictions and Projections" published on November 23rd, mentions our high-resolution climate projections project sponsored by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) were we address the need for higher-resolution climate projections. By downscaling CMIP projections to approximately 9 km over Europe, using advanced techniques, the project aimed to enhance the accuracy of climate services. It reflects a broader trend in the climate modeling community to produce higher-resolution climate projections for better climate risk impact assessments. Since then we improved our climate data by extending the 9km resolution (0.1°x0.1°) to the globe using the latest CMIP6 projections. Check the Ready-to-use climate projections page to see our lates climate projections data sets.
In the realm of climate adaptation and risk management, climate predictions and projections serve as the foundation for tailored climate services. However, many countries face a scarcity of such services due to a lack of expertise, infrastructure, and climate data. After completing its initial 10-year phase, the GFCS is now poised to address this gap by prioritizing four key areas to advance the development and adoption of climate information services.
Climate services, encompassing the provision and use of climate information, are crucial for enhancing societal resilience to climate-related risks. The GFCS, embedded in national meteorological services, aims to provide timely, tailored climate-related knowledge to facilitate informed decision-making. As advancements in climate science and technology progress, climate services are becoming increasingly integral to global initiatives, including the Paris Agreement and national adaptation plans.
The GFCS envisions enabling society to manage risks and opportunities arising from climate variability and change using science-based climate information. Built on five essential elements, the GFCS focuses on climate observations, research, modeling, prediction, and capacity development. Its initial 10-year implementation plan targeted key sectors like agriculture, disaster risk reduction, health, water, and energy, leading to its integration into meteorological services globally.
In response to the evolving landscape of climate services, the GFCS has entered a new implementation phase from 2023. Its refocused objectives include aligning national climate policies and investments, strengthening climate service capacities, improving the climate service value chain, assessing provider capacities, and enhancing visibility and effectiveness. These initiatives aim to avoid fragmentation, duplication, and ensure consistent coordination on global, regional, and national scales.
At the heart of the GFCS, the CSIS coordinates the development, archiving, and use of climate information. Operating through a three-tier cascading approach involving global predictions, near-term forecasts, and regional centers, the CSIS facilitates interaction between providers and users. It plays a vital role in producing authoritative climate information products, supporting decision-makers in integrating climate information into planning processes, and contributing to the global understanding of climate change.
The full article is accessible here.
