Science for Action: Climate

Panoramic view of a glacier winding between rugged mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Rocky foreground leads to the expansive ice flow, surrounded by green slopes and rocky peaks.

In the 1970s, scientists first began to sound the alarm about the risks of climate change and its impacts. But despite the warnings, we are clearly heading in the wrong direction: greenhouse gas levels are today at a record high. The last decade has recorded the ten hottest years on record and 2024, the warmest year on record, temporarily hit 1.5°C above the pre-industrial era.  Our weather is more extreme, our ocean is warmer and more acidic, sea levels have risen and glaciers and ice sheets are melting. The rate of change is accelerating, there is dire need from more scientific data, research and services – especially climate services.

There is growing awareness around the world – in government, business and the public – of risks arising from changes to Earth’s climate. Some may have unprecedented harmful socioeconomic impacts, while others, with sufficient forewarning and planning, could offer benefits. Decision-makers therefore need high-quality, timely, relevant, up-to-date and credible climate information about the past, present and future. This includes data, knowledge, and sectoral information on impacts and risks. We refer to the provision and use of such information as climate services. The WMO Global Framework for Climate Service, launched in 2014, has partnered with many organizations, companies and national institutions to actively develop climate services to support decision-making in sectors like agriculture, health, water resource management, disaster risk reduction and energy.