World Meteorological Day 2023

World Meteorological Day 2023

“The future of weather, climate and water across generations”.

 

The World Meteorological Day takes place every year on 23 March and it commemorates the coming into force on 23 March 1950 of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organisation. It is celebrated with activities around the world to showcase the essential contribution of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to the safety and wellbeing of society. The World Meteorological Organisation is the second oldest United Nations agency.

 

The theme of the World Meteorological Day (WMD) 2023 is

“The future of weather, climate and water across generations”.

 

For centuries and since the creation of the International Meteorological Organisation (IMO) in 1873, the Meteorological community has been driven by the philosophy that “International cooperation is essential for our weather and climate and water cycle knows no national or political boundaries”.

 

For the past 150 years or so, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, around the world, have collected and standardised data which underpin the weather forecasts we now take for granted. 

 

Approved last week, the Synthesis Report of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) clearly states that human activities have unequivocally caused global warming with global surface temperature reaching 1.1 degrees Celsius above 1850-1900 in 2011-2020. 

 

The Secretary General of WMO mentions that “Early Warning are low-hanging fruits of climate change adaptation”. As per the World Economic Forum, in the next 10-year time frame, failure to mitigate climate change, failure of climate change adaptation and natural disasters represent the highest risks for the global economy.  He also states that the changing climate is defining the challenge of our time and the way we respond to that challenge will determine the future of our planet and our children and grandchildren.

 

The upcoming World Meteorological Congress in June 2023 will agree strategic priorities to promote our vision of a world which is more resilient to extreme weather, climate, water and other environmental events:  Early Warning for All to ensure that life-saving early warning system covers everyone in the next five years, and the sustained and coordinated Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Infrastructure.

 

In summary, observations in Mauritius also indicate that the annual rainfall is decreasing yet short duration high intensity rainfall is on the rise, temperature is warming, cyclones are showing explosive intensification and sea level is rising.  Small Island Developing State face a unique challenge to climate change. Indeed, this growing concern is being felt in the Republic of Mauritius as several wakes of livelihood is being disturbed by these impacts. This concern is further exacerbated as we are influenced by large ocean-atmosphere interactions. The impact of the accelerated climate change on tropical cyclones and sea level rise is leading to more threatening and unpredictable situation. 

 

It is being accepted nowadays that we are already living the impact of the warming climate. While the Republic of Mauritius pursue its contribution towards mitigation of climate change, much more effort is needed in adapting to its inevitable impact. A knowledge of the impact of climate change on the weather pattern and the associated meteorological parameters is critical towards implementation of appropriate adaptation measures in the different sectors of the economy.

 

In line with the strategy of the WMO, the Mauritius Meteorological Services has reviewed the Early Warning System for natural hazards such as cyclone and associated storm surge, heavy rain, heavy swell and strong wind.

It is also collaborating in regional and international projects towards improving its weather, water and climate services.

 

Hereunder is a video clip from the World Meteorological Day 2023:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbvgalKce-8&t=81s

 

23 March 2023